Parish Pocket Papal Liturgies

26 August 2010
 
A million copies of the ‘Magnificat - Liturgies and Events of the Papal Visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the United Kingdom September 16 to 19 2010’ are being distributed to parishes across our diocese and throughout England, Scotland and Wales over the next week. 

The handbook contains the texts for the times Pope Benedict XVI will participate in public prayer, together with a series of brief articles about the Holy Father’s historic visit.  It comes in a hard-wearing, pocket-sized format which makes it easy to carry around and ‘pray as you go’.  It is also a key companion for the papal liturgies.
 
Papal Visit Coordinator, Monsignor Andrew Summersgill said: “Although a million copies isn’t enough for everybody who regularly attends Mass, it is enough for each household, certainly, to have a copy. And also of course for those people who are going either to Bellahouston, to Hyde Park, or to Cofton Park. It will also be helpful for those who will be following the Pope from home, or from gatherings in their own parish, it’s designed to help across the board.
 
“We will be asking people if they would like to make a donation towards the costs. That would be really helpful and information will be given by local priests as to how to do that.”
 
The cover image for the ‘Magnificat - Liturgies and Events of the Papal Visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the United Kingdom’ comes from a fourth century mosaic from a Roman villa at Hinton St Mary, Dorset, showing Christ as a clean-shaven young man. It is one of the earliest known representations of Christ, not only in Britain, but anywhere in the world. The bust is placed before the Greek letters chi and rho, the first two letters of Christ’s name.  Flanking the head of Jesus are two pomegranates, symbols of eternal life, and of the resurrection.  This perfectly preserved mosaic now resides in the British Museum.
 
The publication has been produced by the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales and Scotland in cooperation with Gabriel Communications, the Catholic Truth Society and Magnificat.

The papal visit begins for our diocese on the eve of the Holy Father’s historic visit to the United Kingdom.  A special evening of prayers will take place in the Cathedral led by Bishop Declan and Bishop Tom Burns of Menevia, we will join together and pray that the papal visit lights up the heart of our nation.  All are welcome to take part from 7.00 pm to 10.00 pm on Wednesday 15 September. 

As we prepare to welcome Pope Benedict XVI we invite you to an evening with the man who’s presenting the BBC’s portrait of the Holy Father.  Award-winning TV documentary maker Mark Dowd will share with us how he’s grown in his understanding of the Holy Father’s vision for our world.  All are welcome to this free event as we look forward to welcoming the Bishop of Rome.  It takes place in Bath on Friday 10 September at 7.00 pm.

The official website thepapalvisit.org.uk is the best place to find out the most up-to-date information in the build up to the special time in the life of the Church in our countries.  It will also provide full coverage during the visit - a great place for you to follow the visit virtually if you are unable to be at any of the large public papal events.

You can also make your donation towards the visit at the official website.  It's simple, secure and direct.

Sign-up to the e-alert packed with the latest news about the Holy Father’s historic visit. 

Our striking posters, displayed in all our parishes and many other places, welcoming Pope Benedict XVI to the United Kingdom are available to all.  You can download your copy in the multimedia panel on the right and put them up to welcome the Holy Father and his historic visit.