A brief run-down of events planned here in the Vatican over the Christmas holidays: At
sundown on Saturday, December 24, the life-size Nativity Scene in St Peter’s Square
is unveiled. This will mark the beginning of a prayer vigil that will culminate in
the chanting of the Kalenda, in a tradition re-established by Pope Benedict XVI, that
ancient proclamation of Christ’s coming drawn from the Roman martyrology, announcing
the beginning of Christmas time.
At 10 pm Rome time Saturday, Pope Benedict
XVI will lead celebrations of Christmas midnight mass. On Sunday from the central
balcony of the Vatican Basilica he will read out his Christmas message and send out
his blessing “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and to the world)
On Saturday 31 December
at 17:00, the Pope will preside over the Vespers which will end with the traditional
thanksgiving hymn, “Te Deum”, in conclusion of the civil year.
On January
1, Benedict XVI will celebrate mass at 9:30 in St. Peter’s, on occasion of the International
Day of Peace, which this year, is entitled: “Educate Youngsters in Justice and Peace”.
In
a break with tradition during Mass for the Feast of the Epiphany Pope Benedict will
confer Episcopal ordination on Mgr. Charles John Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland
and Mgr. Marek Solczynski Apostolic Nuncio Georgia and Armenia.
On Sunday
January 8, Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord, Pope Benedict XVI will celebrate mass
in the Sistine Chapel. During the celebration - as per tradition – the Holy Father
will confer baptism on small infants, the children of Vatican employees.
All
of these ceremonies will be broadcast live by Vatican Television with commentary available
in six languages by Vatican Radio. A live stream can be accessed on www.vatican.va/video.