Schedule for papal trip to the Czech Republic released

Vatican City, Jul 3, 2009 / 07:41 am

Today the itinerary for Pope Benedict’s September 26 -28 trip to the Czech Republic was made public. His visit will coincide with the feast day of the country’s patron, St. Wenceslas.

Upon arriving in the capital city of Prague on Saturday, September 26, Pope Benedict will visit the city's Church of Our Lady Victorious where he will venerate the image of the "Infant Jesus of Prague." That afternoon he will then visit the president of the Czech Republic in the presidential palace and, at 5 p.m., meet with the political and civil authorities and members of the diplomatic corps. The Pope’s day will conclude at 6 p.m. with the celebration of first Vespers at the cathedral of St. Vitus, St. Wenceslas and St. Adalbert, where he will address priests, religious, seminarians and members of lay movements.

On Sunday, the Pope will travel to Brno where he will celebrate Mass and the Angelus before returning to the archbishopric of Prague where he will meet ecumenical representatives before addressing members of the academic community at Prague Castle.

The final day of the Holy Father’s visit will include a visit to the church of St. Wenceslas where he will celebrate Mass for the feast of the saint, who is also the country’s patron. He is also scheduled to address the youth of the Czech Republic that morning.

Returning to Prague, Pope Benedict will have lunch with the country’s bishops before departing for Rome at 5:45 p.m. local time.