Pope to celebrate end of year Vespers

(Vatican Radio) Pope Benedict XVI will preside over first Vespers on Monday December 31, marking the end of 2012 and the Feast of Mary, Mother of God. Vespers will be sung in St. Peter’s Basilica at 5pm Rome time and will include the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the singing of the Te Deum, Eucharistic benediction and prayers of thanks to God for the year just past. At the end of the celebration, Pope Benedict will go outside into St. Peter’s Square to pray in front of the large outdoor nativity scene which this year was donated by the southern Italian region of Basilicata.