IN BRIEF

AT 9.A.M. TOMORROW FRIDAY, MARCH 17, IN THE VATICAN'S "Redemptoris Mater" Chapel, the Lenten sermons will begin in the presence of the Pope. The theme of the meditations, due to be presented by Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, O.F.M. Cap., preacher of the papal household, is the Roman Canon "Memores beatae Passionis" ("Recalling the blessed Passion"). Among those invited to attend the sermons are cardinals, archbishops, bishops and prelates of the Roman Curia, the Vicariate of Rome and the Pontifical Family, as well as the superiors general of the orders that form part of the "Cappella Pontificia". The subsequent Lenten sermons will take place on March 31, and April 7.

SERVANT OF GOD ELIA DI SAN CLEMENTE (nee Teodora Fracasso), virgin of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, will be beatified on Saturday, March 18, during a Eucharistic celebration due to be held at 6.30 p.m. in Bari cathedral, presided by Archbishop Francesco Cacucci of Bari - Bitonto. The future Blessed was born in the city of Bari in the Italian region of Puglia in 1901 and died in 1927. The decree concerning the miracle ascribed to her was promulgated in December 2005.
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