NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      LISBON, 23 (NE) As part of celebrations for the 500 anniversary of the beginning of the evangelization of Brazilian lands, the Portuguese Bishops' Conference will offer to the Church in Brazil 16 images of the Cross present in the first Mass celebrated in Brazilian territory. The historic Mass was celebrated on the 26th of April of 1500.

      On March 25, Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, the President and Secretary of the Brazilian Bishops' Conference will meet in Braga, Portugal, with the President of the Portuguese Bishops' Conference in order to carry out the ceremony of the delivery of the crosses. Before sending each cross to the corresponding 16 Episcopal regions of Brazil, they will be taken to the Vatican where they will be blessed by the Pope John Paul II.