.- The Vatican’s Office of Liturgical Celebration revealed today Pope John Paul’s schedule of celebrations for December and January.
The Pope’s schedule for the coming days is as follows:
- Wednesday, Dec. 24: Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord. The Pope will celebrate Midnight Mass at the Vatican Basilica.
- Thursday, Dec. 25: Solemnity of the Birth of the Lord. At noon from the central balcony of the Vatican Basilica, the Pope will deliver his Christmas message and will impart the “Urbi et Orbi” (“to the city and the world”) blessing.
- Wednesday, Dec. 31: At 6 p.m. in the Vatican Basilica, the Holy Father will preside at first vespers on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, during which the traditional “Te Deum” hymn of thanksgiving will be sung for the conclusion of the civil year.
- Thursday, Jan. 1: Solemnity of Mary Mother of God. The Holy Father will preside at the celebration of the solemnity within the octave of Christmas in the Vatican Basilica at 10 a.m. on the occasion of the 37th World Day of Peace on the theme “An Ever Timely Commitment: Teaching Peace.” The Eucharist will be celebrated by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of State.
