Dec.16, 2008);- Pope Benedict XVI’s liturgical celebrations of Christmas right
through till 11th January, were announced on Tuesday by Mons Guido Marini,
who is in charge of papal ceremonies. The Pope is scheduled to celebrate Christmas
Eve Mass on Wed. Dec. 24 in St. Peter's Basilica at midnight. On Christmas
Day, Thursday Dec. 25 at noon – the Pope will give his Christmas message to the
world and impart his traditional “Urbi et Orbi “blessing to the city and to the world
from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica . On Wed. 31st December,
the Holy Father will preside at the Vespers of the Solemnity of Mary Most Holy,
the Mother of God in St. Peter’s Basilica at 6 P.M. and conclude with the traditional
“Te Deum” and his blessing. On Thursday, 1st January, when the Catholic
Church celebrates the World Day of Peace, Pope Benedict will celebrate morning Mass
at 10 0’clock in St. Peter’s Basilica and speak on his peace message for this special
Day , the theme of which is “Combat poverty to build peace”. Several top cardinals
will be concelebrating Mass with the Pope, among them Vatican Secy. of State Tarciscio
Bertone. On the Feast of the Epiphany, Tuesday 6th January 2009, the
Pope will celebrate morning Mass at 10 o’clock in St. Peter’s Basilica, and on Sunday
11th January the Pope will admininster the Sacrament of Baptism to several
newborn in Vatican’s Sistine Chapel