Continuing with some lighter fare, it appears that Christmas at the Vatican this year will be festive and colorful.
The Holy See has provided a preview of the Christmas creche which will adorn the Piazza in front of Basilica of Saint Peter.
The Nativity scene, designed by artist Manwel Grech, measures over 62-feet-wide and features 17 statues dressed in traditional Maltese clothing. A replica of a traditional "Luzzu" (a Maltese boat representing life, tradition, fish and migrants forced to flee their homes by sea) will be included in the scene.
The outdoor decorations include an 82-foot-tall Christmas tree from the Province of Trent in Northern Italy which arrived at the Vatican as Americans were enjoying their Thanksgiving celebrations. The tree will be decorated with drawings created by children across Italy some of whom will meet with the Holy Father, shortly before the tree-lighting ceremony begins. At that same gathering, Grech who designed the creche as well as civic leaders from Trent and Malta are expected to be present.
The Vatican Press Office likewise has published Pope Francis’ schedule for the Christmas Season which includes the following liturgical celebrations:
On December 12, Pope Francis will celebrate evening Mass on 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 will be joined by the Latin American Choir under the direction of conductor Eduardo Notrica.
On Christmas Eve, the Holy Father will celebrate Christmas Mass at 9:30 p.m. in St. Peter's Basilica.
On Christmas Day, Pope Francis will give his Christmas blessing "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) at noon from the central balcony overlooking St. Peter's Square.
On New Year’s Eve, the Pope will preside over evening prayer and the singing of the "Te Deum" in thanksgiving for the year that is ending. The ceremony will take place at Saint Peter Basilica.
New Year’s Day, Pope Francis will celebrate a Morning Mass in Saint Peter Basilica for the World Day of Prayer for Peace and the feast of Mary, Mother of God.
January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany, Pope Francis will celebrate Mass in Saint Peter Basilica.
On January 8, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the Pope will celebrate Mass in the Sistine Chapel and baptize several babies.
In the evening on January 25, Pope Francis will preside over an ecumenical prayer service for the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. This service concludes the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity celebrated universally by the Church.
We offer our prayers and best wishes asking the Lord to continue to bless the Holy Father with good health and the energy he will need to fulfill the demands of so active a schedule.
What a wonderful time of year when gentler spirits and a sense of universal brotherhood strive to capture our imagination! Praised be Jesus Christ, now and forever. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment