The preparation and celebrations are underway in Rome for The Beatification of Pope John Paul II. The faithful were allowed to enter Circo Massimo beginning at 5:30pm. Volunteers were available to point out the entrances to the main area. The cardinals and a group of youth with Cardinal Vicar Agostino Vallini are on the central stage. Bishops, priests, guests, and civil authorities from Lazio and the province and municipality of Rome are In a seating area in front of the stage

“White Night” of Prayer for the City of Rome

For the first time Rome will have a “white night” of prayer. At the conclusion of the Rosary the Vigil of wait and preparation for the beatification will continue throughout the night. From 11:00pm it will be possible to continue praying until dawn in 8 churches of the city center that are located along the path from Circo Massimo to St. Peter’s Basilica: S. Anastasia, S. Bartolomeo all’isola, S. Agnese in Agone at Piazza Navona (led by a group of Polish youth), S. Marco al Campidoglio, Santissimo Nome di Gesu all’Argentina, S. Maria in Vallicella, S. Andrea della Valle, and S. Giovanni dei Fiorentini.

The youth of Rome, serving as hosts of this evening of faith, will welcome the pilgrims, inviting them to enter the churches and join in the prayers. During the night, in keeping with the common format adopted by the churches involved, there will be an alternation of the various following moments programmed: the reading of and meditation on the Word of God: “We have come to do him homage” (Mt 2:2), “Who do you say that I am?” (Mt 16:15); silence and Eucharistic adoration; and the reading of some texts that John Paul II addressed to the youth. There will also be testimonials from some young persons, songs performed by youth groups, and the recitation of the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Devotion.

In these 8 churches pilgrims will be able to partake of the sacrament of reconciliation, many priests having made themselves available to hear confessions.

Sunday, 1 May 2011

Holy Mass for the Beatification of the Servant of God John Paul II in Saint Peter’s Square, at 10:00 with the Homily of His Holiness Benedict XVI, Angelus will be followed by the address of His Holiness Benedict XVI.

Monday, 2 May 2011

Thanksgiving Mass for the Beatification in Saint Peter’s Square, at 10:30 with the Homily of Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.

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