CELEBRATIONS TO BE PRESIDED BY THE POPE DURING CHRISTMAS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 15, 2005 (VIS) - The Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff today published the calendar of celebrations due to be presided by the Holy Father over the Christmas period:

DECEMBER

- Saturday, 24: Vigil of the Solemnity of the Birth of Our Lord. Benedict XVI will preside at Midnight Mass in the Vatican Basilica.

 - Sunday, 25: Solemnity of the Birth of Our Lord. Benedict XVI will address his Christmas Message to the world and impart the "Urbi et Orbi" blessing at noon in St. Peter's Square.

 - Saturday, 31: Benedict XVI to preside at Vespers and "Te Deum" of thanksgiving, at 6 p.m. in St. Peter's Basilica.

JANUARY

- Sunday, 1: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God and 39th World Day of Peace. Holy Father to preside at Mass in the Vatican Basilica at 10 a.m.

- Friday, 6: Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. Holy Father to preside at Mass in the Vatican Basilica at 9.30 a.m.

- Thursday, 8: Baptism of Our Lord. Benedict XVI will preside at Mass in the Sistine Chapel at 10 a.m., during which he will impart the Sacrament of Baptism to a number of children.
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