.- The festivities which Pope Benedict will attend Thursday at the Pacaembu Stadium, will continue hours later at the Campo de Marte, where thousands of young people will hold vigil on the eve of the canonization of the first Brazilian saint.
According to organizers, many participants who will attend the encounter with the Pope are expected to make the pilgrimage to Campo de Marte to await the canonization ceremony on Friday.
During the vigil, more than 50 different choral groups from local parishes will accompany the Orchestra of the Dramatic and Musical Conservatory of Sao Paulo.
Among the songs that will be performed at the vigil include the official song for the papal visit, “Pelos prados y campiñas,” an adaptation of Psalm 22, as well as two songs in honor of Fray Galvao. Between each song, reflections by the future saint will be read.
Auxiliary Bishop Joaquim Justino Carreira of Sao Paulo said, “The grace of God with the coming of the Pope is being felt in our country. I am referring especially to the joy, disposition and gratitude of the people involved in this event of such great magnitude.”
