(ANSA) - VATICAN CITY, DEC 13 - The first liturgical appointment of the Christmas season presided over by the Pope will be the Messanella Christmas night, Friday 24 December at 7.30 pm in the Basilica of St. Peter. This was announced by the Office of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, which today released the calendar. On Saturday 25 December, at 12.00, the Pontiff will address his Christmas message to the world and give the blessing "Urbi et Orbi".
On Friday 31 December, in St. Peter's Basilica, at 5.00 pm, Francis will celebrate the First Vespers of the solemnity of Mary Most Holy Mother of God, followed by the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the traditional song of the hymn "TeDeum", at the end of the calendar year, and the Eucharistic blessing.
Saturday 1 January 2022, at 10.00 in the basilica of San Pietro, the Pope will preside over the Mass of the solemnity of Mary Most Holy Mother of God on the Octave of Christmas, the day in which the LV World Day of Peace also occurs.
Finally, on Thursday 6 January, at 10.00 in St. Peter's Basilica, the Pope will celebrate Mass on the solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.
(HANDLE).
