By
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As a towering spruce tree was erected
in St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican released Pope Francis’ liturgy schedule for
Advent, Christmas and the month of January.
The 82-feet-tall Christmas tree arrived in the square Nov. 24.
According to the papal calendar released by the Vatican the
same day:
— Pope Francis will celebrate an evening Mass Dec. 12, the feast of Our
Lady of Guadalupe. The Mass will include ancient liturgical hymns composed in
indigenous languages, including Nahuatl, Quechua, Mapuche and Guarani. The Sistine Chapel Choir be
will joined the Latin American Choir under the direction of conductor Eduardo Notrica.
— The pope will celebrate Christmas Mass at 9:30 p.m. Dec. 24 in St. Peter’s
Basilica.
— Pope Francis will give his Christmas blessing “urbi
et orbi” (to the city and the world) at noon Dec. 25 from the central balcony overlooking St.
Peter’s Square.
— Dec. 31
in St. Peter’s Basilica, the pope will preside over evening prayer and the
singing of the “Te Deum” in thanksgiving for the year that is ending.
— The pope will celebrate a Morning Mass in St. Peter’s
Basilica Jan. 1, the
World Day of Prayer for Peace and the feast of Mary, Mother of God.
— On Jan.
6, the feast of the Epiphany, Pope Francis will celebrate Mass in St.
Peter’s Basilica.
— On the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Jan. 8, the pope will
celebrate Mass in the Sistine Chapel and baptize several babies.
— Pope Francis will preside over an ecumenical evening
prayer service Jan. 25,
the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. The service concludes the annual Week
of Prayer for Christian Unity.
– – –
Copyright © 2016 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. www.catholicnews.com. All rights reserved. Republishing or redistributing of CNS content, including by framing or similar means without prior permission, is prohibited. You may link to stories on our public site. This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. To request permission for republishing or redistributing of CNS content, please contact permissions at cns@catholicnews.com.
