(April 20, 2011) Pope Benedict XVI will preside over three days of solemn
liturgical ceremonies leading up to Christianity’s greatest feast of Easter - the
Resurrection of Christ. On Holy Thursday April 21st the Pope will concelebrate
morning Mass, during which he will bless the oils that are used for administering
the sacraments. The same evening, the Pope will preside over the celebration of Mass
of the Last Supper in the Basilica of St. John in Lateran, during which he will wash
the feet of 12 priests. During the ceremony, all those present will be invited to
perform an act of charity for the victims of Japan’s earthquake and tsunami. The sum
collected will be given to the Holy Father when the presentation of gifts is made
during the Offertory. On Good Friday, April 22, Pope Benedict will preside in St.
Peter’s Basilica at the liturgical service on the Lord’s Passion. Later the same evening
at Rome’s Coliseum, he will preside over the Way of the Cross. On Holy Saturday,
April 23, the Pope will lead the Easter vigil Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at night.
On Easter Sunday, the Pope will concelebrate Mass with Cardinals in St. Peter’s Square,
at the conclusion of which he will impart his “Urbi et Orbi” blessing to the “City
and the World.