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