Vatican City, Nov 21, 2008 / 09:37 am
The Vatican’s Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff has announced the celebrations that will be led by the Holy Father between the end of November 2008 and January 2009.
The list of events is as follows:
November 2008
Saturday 29: At 5:00 p.m. in the Vatican Basilica, First Vespers for the first Sunday of Advent
Sunday 30: First Sunday of Advent. The Pope will pay a pastoral visit to the Roman basilica of San Lorenzo for the 1,750th anniversary of the martyrdom of the deacon saint. Mass will be held at 9:45 a.m.
December 2008
Monday 8: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. At 4:00 p.m. in Rome's Piazza di Spagna, the Holy Father will give homage to Mary Immaculate
Wednesday 24: Vigil of the Solemnity of the Birth of Our Lord. Pope Benedict will celebrate Midnight Mass in the Vatican Basilica
Thursday 25: Solemnity of the Birth of Our Lord. At midday from the central loggia of the Vatican Basilica, the Holy Father will deliver his annual "Urbi et Orbi" blessing
Wednesday 31: At 6:00 p.m. in the Vatican Basilica, Benedict XVI will lead a First Vespers of thanksgiving for the past year
January 2009
Thursday 1: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God and 42nd World Day of Peace. The Pope will celebrate Mass in the Vatican Basilica at 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday 6: Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. Mass in the Vatican Basilica at 10:00 a.m.
Sunday, 11: Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord. The Pope will offer Mass in the Sistine Chapel at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Baptism of several children
Sunday 25: Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle. At 5:30 p.m. in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, Pope Benedict will celebrate Vespers
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