Pope to mark eve of Advent with pro-life iniziative
(October 1, 2010) Pope Benedict XVI is calling on all Catholics worldwide to join
in a vigil for All Nascent Human Life, to be celebrated in local parishes and dioceses
on the eve of the Advent Season this year, the Vatican said on Thursday. Holy See’s
spokesman, Fr, Federico Lombardi released a brief note saying the Pope as usual, will
lead, the Vespers in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome on November 27, the eve of the first
Sunday of Advent. However, this year, the Vespers will be placed in the context of
the “Vigil for Nascent Human Life” in the perspective of the Advent season and the
solemnity of the birth of the Lord that follow. Card. Antonio Canizares Llovera,
prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Cult and the Discipline of the Sacraments
and Card. Ennio Antonelli, president of the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for the Family
have sent a letter to the presidents of bishops conferences across the world, inviting
local bishops to preside over similar celebrations and prayer initiatives, in spiritual
union with the Holy Father in promoting the Church’s commitment and witness to a culture
of life and love.