Pope Benedict XVI's schedule released for Holy Week, Easter Triduum

(Wed.28 March,07):-The Vatican has announced the full schedule of liturgical events, at which Pope Benedict XVI will preside during Holy Week and the Easter Triduum. On Palm Sunday, April 1st, the Pope will lead the blessing of palms and the procession into St. Peter's Square, followed by Mass, that will include the reading of the Passion. World Youth Day will be observed that same day.
On Holy Thursday morning, April 5, the Pope will concelebrate the Chrism Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, joined by cardinals, bishops, and priests of the Rome diocese. In the evening, he will preside at the Mass of the Lord's Supper, in the basilica of St. John Lateran, to commemorate the institution of the Eucharist. During that ceremony, which will include the traditional washing of the feet of 12 men - a collection will be taken up for a special intention chosen by Pope Benedict. This year it is for a medical clinic in Baidoa, Somalia.
On Good Friday, April 6, the Pontiff will lead an afternoon service consisting of the Liturgy of the Word, veneration of the Cross, and Communion. That same evening, in the Roman Coliseum, the Pope will lead the Stations of the Cross, with meditations prepared by Father Gianfranco Ravasi, a Biblical scholar from Milan.
On Saturday night, April 7, the Pope will begin the Easter Vigil ceremony in St. Peter's Basilica with the lighting of the Paschal flame. The procession into the basilica will be followed by the singing of the Exultet and midnight Mass concelebrated by the Pope with senior members of the College of Cardinals.
On Easter morning, April 8, in St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pope will celebrate Mass at 10.30. It will be followed by his Urbi et Orbi message, delivered from the loggia of the basilica.