(VIS) In view of the forthcoming Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops,
which will focus on the theme “The pastoral challenges of the family in the context
of evangelisation”, some prayer initiatives have been indicated.
On Sunday,
22 December, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia will preside over the Holy Mass at the Basilica
of the "Sagrada Familia" in Barcelona, and on Sunday, 29 December, Feast of the Holy
Family, at the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, the Secretary General of
the Synod, Bishop Lorenzo Baldisseri, will celebrate Mass with the aforementioned
prayer intention. On the same day, in the Sanctuary of the Holy House of Loreto, the
Pontifical Delegate Archbishop Giovanni Tonucci will celebrate Mass with the same
intention.
On Sunday, 29 December, at the Angelus prayer, the Holy Father
will deliver a special prayer he has composed for the family; the Basilicas of Loreto
and Nazareth will be connected via live television.