Vatican City State Railway Station will open its two sets of tracks of only 300 meters long especially to mark the 60th Anniversary of Caritas Internationalis and to raise funds for its worldwide humanitarian work.

What is it? To mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of Caritas Internationalis a special historical train will leave the Vatican station and travel to Orvieto in Umbria and back on 21st May 2011. The aim of the trip is to raise money for Caritas Internationalis’ humanitarian projects and to bolster Caritas’ response in emergencies.

How much do tickets cost? Donations are being sought for this initiative. Tickets in Internationalis Class will be made available for a minimum donation of €60 per ticket. Tickets in Caritas Class will be made available for a minimum donation of €100 per ticket. Reservations can be made at express@caritas.va

Who will be on the train? As well as members of the general public, there will be officials from the Vatican and Ferrovie dello Stato (the Italian State Railway system), representatives from Caritas Internationlis’ member organisations, diplomats from embassies to the Holy See, journalists and train enthusiasts.

What will the train be like? The train includes a locomotive and seven carriages. A heritage steam locomotive will depart from Vatican station. An electric locomotive will return passengers to Rome’s Termini station in the evening. The locomotive will be under the patronage of Blessed Pope John Paul II. The carriages will be named after St. Martin de Porres (Patron of Caritas Internationalis), St. Mary MacKillop, St. Catherine Drexel, Saints Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac, St. Josephine Bakhita, Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta and St. Monica.

What is the history of the train and the Vatican station? The Vatican station has been used for departures by Pope John XXIII and for Blessed Pope John Paul II. In the past, trains containing Caritas relief supplies have left from the Vatican station. Later this year Pope Benedict XVI will leave from there to go to Assisi. The State Parlour Car on this train was used by Pope John XXIII and was previously used by the Italian royal family and by Presidents of Italy.

Who has organised the initiative? The “Caritas Express” has been made possible due to collaboration between the Governatorato of Vatican City, Ferrovie dello Stato (the Italian State Railway System), and Caritas Internationalis. Ferrovie dello Stato is a keen supporter of the Caritas Roma hostel for homeless people that is attached to Rome’s Termini station.

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For further information please contact Michelle Hough on hough@caritas.va or +39 334 2344 136