Pope Benedict XVI attended the first Advent sermon today, which was given by Father Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap., preacher of the Pontifical Household.

According to the Holy See’s Press Office, the first meditation took place at the Redemptoris  Mater Chapel at the Vatican.

The theme of the meditations this year is taken from a verse in the Letter to the Hebrews: “He has spoken to us through his Son,” the Press Office reported.

Cardinals, archbishops, bishops and prelates of the Roman Curia, as well as the superior generals of the religious orders that are part of the Pontifical Chapel have been invited to the meditations.

The remaining sermons will be preached on December 14 and December 21.