Vatican City, Feb 5, 2009 / 11:58 am (CNA).- The Office of Liturgical Celebrations today released the list of ceremonies that Pope Benedict will preside over during the next three months. Highlights of his schedule include: the annual spiritual exercises for the Roman Curia, the Pope’s trip to Africa, a commemoration of Pope John Paul II and the celebrations surrounding Easter.

February

Saturday 21-- At 11 a.m. in the Clementine Hall, consistory for certain causes of canonization.

Wednesday 25-- Ash Wednesday. At 4.30 p.m. in the basilica of Sant'Anselmo, "statio" and penitential procession. At 5 p.m. in the basilica of Santa Sabina, blessing and imposition of the ashes.

March

Sunday 1-- First Sunday of Lent. At 6 p.m. in the Apostolic Palace's "Redemptoris Mater" Chapel, beginning of the spiritual exercises of the Roman Curia.

 Saturday 7-- At 9 a.m. in the "Redemptoris Mater" Chapel, conclusion of the spiritual exercises of the Roman Curia.

Tuesday 17 to Monday 23-- Apostolic trip to Cameroon and Angola.

Sunday 29-- Fifth Sunday of Lent. Pastoral visit to the Roman parish of the Holy Face of Jesus. At 9 a.m., celebration of the Eucharist.

April

Thursday 2-- At 6 p.m. in the Vatican Basilica, Mass attended by young people from the diocese of Rome for the anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II.

Sunday 5-- Palm Sunday and the Passion of the Lord. At 9.30 a.m. in St. Peter's Square, blessing of palms, procession and Mass.

Thursday 9-- Holy Thursday. At 9.30 a.m. in the Vatican Basilica, Chrism Mass. At 5.30 p.m. in the Basilica of St. John Lateran, beginning of the Easter Triduum with the Mass of the Last Supper.

Friday 10-- Good Friday. At 5 p.m. in the Vatican Basilica, celebration of the Lord's Passion. At 9.15 p.m. at the Colosseum, Way of the Cross.

Saturday 11-- Holy Saturday. At 9 p.m. in the Vatican Basilica, Easter vigil.

Sunday 12-- Easter Sunday. Mass in St. Peter's Square at 10.30 a.m. At midday, from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, "Urbi et Orbi" blessing.

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