The secretary general of Portugal's bishops' conference has released the schedule of the 173rd Plenary Assembly of the bishops, which will include a discussion on Pope Benedict's upcoming visit to Fatima in May 2010.

The bishops will meet at the House of Our Lady of Sorrows at the Shrine of Fatima November 9-12 and plan to discuss a pastoral letter on euthanasia, another letter on the mission of the laity in the Church, as well as other issues, including the Holy Father's 2010 visit.

Archbishop Jorge Ferreira de Costa Ortiga of Braga and president of the conference will deliver the opening address.