September 6, 2013, Friday -- Schedule for Papal Prayer Vigil Here is the schedule for tomorrow's papal prayer vigil as of Friday evening. 5:45 pm (Rome time) — About 50 priests will begin hearing confession in designated areas under the Bernini colonnades. Pope Francis has asked that the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) be made available throughout the evening because “true peace springs from a heart that is reconciled with God and one’s brothers and sisters.” 6:30 pm — A reader will read Pope Francis' September 1 Angelus address in which he called for the Day of Prayer and Fasting for peace. 7 pm — Vigil begins – The Pope will greets the crowd, expected to be very large – The ancient hymn “Veni Creator Spiritus” is sung, followed by Marian prayer to Our Lady Queen of Peace – The Marian icon “Salus Populi Romani” (health or protection of the Roman people) is carried by four Swiss Guards from the obelisk in the center of the square while two girls carry bouquets of flowers. – Pope Francis leads the recitation of the Rosary, which will include readings from the poetry of St. Therese of the Child Jesus. The Pope has a special devotion to this young, Carmelite Saint beloved around the world. She is also known as "The Little Flower." Her baptismal name was Thérèse Martin. – A reflection offered by Pope Francis – Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Office of Readings. John 20:19-29 (25 minutes of prayerful silence, music) – Eucharistic benediction The event is expected to end at 11:00 p.m. It will be televised live throughout the world by Vatican Television. ================== On Fasting "If you see an enemy, be reconciled with him. If you see a friend gaining honor, do not be jealous of him. And let not only the mouth fast, but also the eye and the ear and the feet and the hands and all members of your bodies." —St. John Chrysostom
MS7, Thank you very much for this posting. I recommend, if possible, for everyone to participate in this event in one way or the other. Peace be with you.
It was wonderful to watch and participate in these proceedings (thanks EWTN). To have a Rosary said by so many, the sung Te Deum (sublime) and a Benediction took me back years. It was so traditionally 'Catholic' and very moving. It was disappointing to see empty seats at the back of the square on an occasion like this. I was hoping that the Pope might consecrate Syria to Our Lady's Immaculate Heart (and perhaps sneak in Russia) but you can't have everything.
So the Pope (and many others) prayed for peace publicly on Saturday (to the almost total indifference of the media and of other 'churches') and today the Russians have picked up on Kerry's off the cuff remark about surrender of chemical weapons, responded to it, and a 'window of opportunity' for peace appears to have been opened. Let's continue praying, it appears that God may be responding in unexpected ways.
Steve, I could not agree more. Just saw this as a breaking news story on CNN http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/09/politics/obama-syria-interview/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
