VATICAN CITY (CNS) — A towering, 82-foot-tall spruce tree was erected in St. Peter’s Square Nov. 24, the same day the Vatican released Pope Francis’ liturgy schedule for Advent, Christmas and the month of January.
Among his activities:
- Dec. 12 — Pope Francis will celebrate an evening Mass for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It 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.
- Dec. 24 — Celebrate Christmas Mass at 9:30 p.m. in St. Peter’s Basilica.
- Dec. 25 — Give Christmas blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world) at noon 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.
(from 2015)
- Jan. 1 — Morning Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, celebrating the World Day of Prayer for Peace and the feast of Mary, Mother of God.
- Jan. 6 — Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, celebrating the feast of the Epiphany.
- Jan. 8 — Mass in the Sistine Chapel and baptize several babies, on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
- Jan. 25 — Preside over an ecumenical evening prayer service on the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. The service concludes the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
