Pope’s Program for Christmas and New Year announced
December 11, 2012: Pope Benedict XVI’s engagement for Christmas and New Year has been
announced on Tuesday, by Mgr. Guido Marini, Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations.
Accordingly,
the Pontiff will celebrate Midnight Mass on the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord
on 24 December at 10 pm local time. The Mass will be preceded by divine office and
singing, starting at 9 pm.
On Tuesday, 25 December 2012, the feast of the
nativity of the Lord, the Holy Father will give his Christmas message and impart his
blessing ‘Urbi et Orbi’ from the Vatican Basilica, at 12 noon.
On Monday 31
December 2012, Pope Benedict XVI will preside at Vespers of the Solemnity of Mary,
Mother of God, to be followed by exposure of the Blessed Sacrament, and the traditional
singing of the "Te Deum". It will be held in the Vatican Basilica at 5 pm.
On
Tuesday, 1 January 2013, the Pontiff will celebrate Mass for the Solemnity of Mary,
Mother of God, and the 46th World Day of Peace with the theme: "Blessed
are the peacemakers."
On Sunday, January 6, 2013, Pope Benedict XVI will celebrate
Mass on the Solemnity of the Epiphany, in the Vatican Basilica at 9 am.
On
Sunday, January 13, 2013, the Holy Father will preside at the Eucharistic Celebration during
which he will administer the Sacrament of Baptism to some children. This will be held
at Sistine Chapel, at 9.45 am.