St. Paul’s theology to guide this year’s Advent sermon series

Vatican City, Dec 5, 2008 / 11:59 am

As is done each year, the Pope and the members of the Roman Curia began attending a series of Advent sermons in preparation for Christmas. This year’s sermons are being delivered by the papal preacher Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa and will have a Pauline emphasis.

This morning at 9:00 a.m. in the Redemptoris Mater Chapel of the Vatican Apostolic Palace, Pope Benedict XVI and members of the Roman Curia listened to the first Advent sermon of the season.

This year's sermons, delivered by Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa O.F.M. Cap, have as their theme: "'When the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son, born of a woman'. Going with St. Paul to meet the Christ Who comes."

Fr. Cantalamessa’s sermons will reflect upon the role of Christ in the thought and life of the Apostle of the Gentiles. The next two sermons will be held on December 12 and 19.

Traditionally, 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 are invited to the meditations.