The Pope's Christmas
(24 Dec 08 - RV) Pope Benedict XVI is scheduled to celebrate Christmas Mass at midnight tonight in St. Peter’s Basilica. 00:03:32:81
The Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff has let it be known that this year, the Kalenda, the Church’s prayer expressing the historical fact of God’s incarnation, will be recited at the end of a special prayer vigil before the Mass.
In recent years, the Kalenda’s recitation has taken place within the Mass.
On Christmas Day, Pope Benedict is scheduled to deliver the Urbi et Orbi benediction from the Cenral Loggia of the Vatican Basilica.
On New Year’s Eve, the Pope is scheduled to celebrate Solemn Vespers and Te Deum in thanks for the closing year, and on New Year’s Day, the Holy Father is slated to preside over the Mass of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, whose statue this year will remain in place beside the Altar of the Confession inside St. peter’s Basilica.
On January 6th, the Holy Father will preside over the celebration of the Feast of the Epiphany, once again in St. Peter’s Basilica.
On the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, January 11th of the coming year, Pope Benedict is scheduled to say Mass in the Sistine Chapel, during which several newborn children will receive the sacrament of baptism.
This year as last, the Holy Father will use the main altar of the chapel, and offer the sacrifice of the Mass for the people while with them facing liturgical East.
Vatican Radio will offer live radio coverage in English for all events.
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