.- The Vatican recently announced the various events at which the Holy Father will be present during the following months.
Below is the calendar of liturgical celebrations due to be presided over by the Holy Father during the months of February and March.
FEBRUARY
Wednesday 2, Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Day of Consecrated Life. In the Vatican Basilica at 6:00 p.m., blessing of candles, procession and Mass with members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
Wednesday 9, Ash Wednesday. In St. Peter's Basilica at 10:30 a.m., celebration of the Word, blessing and imposition of the ashes.
Friday 11, Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, World Day of the Sick. In the Vatican Basilica at 4:30 p.m., Mass for the "Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi" and UNITALSI, presided over by Cardinal Camillo Ruini. At the end of the celebration, the Holy Father will greet and bless the sick present in the basilica.
Sunday 13, First Sunday of Lent. Beginning of the spiritual exercises of the Roman Curia at 6 p.m. in the Apostolic Palace's "Redemptoris Mater" Chapel.
Saturday 19, In St. Peter's at 10:00 a.m., Mass and adoration of the Eucharist in conclusion of Roman Curia's spiritual exercises.
MARCH
Thursday 17, At 6:00 p.m., adoration of the Eucharist for the occasion of the Holy Father's meeting with young people of the diocese of Rome.
Sunday, 20, Palm Sunday and the Passion of the Lord, World Youth Day. At 10:00 a.m., blessing of palms, procession and Mass.
Thursday, 24, Holy Thursday. In the Vatican Basilica at 9:30 a.m., Chrism Mass. In St. Peter's Basilica at 5:30 p.m., the beginning of the Easter Triduum with the Mass of the Last Supper.
Friday, 25, Good Friday. In the Vatican Basilica at 5:00 p.m., celebration of the Lord's Passion. Way of the Cross in the Coliseum at 9:15 p.m.
Saturday, 26, Holy Saturday. Easter vigil at 7 p.m. in the Vatican Basilica.
Sunday, 27, Easter Sunday. In St. Peter's Square at 10:30 a.m., Mass and "Urbi et Orbi" blessing.
