Easter celebrations in the dioceses of Ireland and in the Holy See

05 Apr 2007

PRESS RELEASE

5th April 2007

Easter celebrations in the dioceses of Ireland and in the Holy See

A special Easter 2007 web-feature is available now on the Catholic Communications Office website of the Irish Bishops’ Conference www.catholiccommunications.ie. The feature includes links giving information on the celebration of Easter week in the Holy See and in the dioceses of Ireland. It can be accessed by clicking either on the scroll bar option on the bottom of the homepage or on the link entitled: “Special Feature Archive”. The web-feature contains:

    * Pope Benedict XVI’s message and schedule for Holy Week and Easter
    * Bishops’ Reflections and Homilies for Easter
    * Diocesan Events and Ceremonies for Holy Week and Easter
    * Broadcast of Religious Ceremonies and Programmes for Easter
    * Bishops’ Pastoral Letter for Lent 2007

Holy Week and Easter ceremonies will also be streamed live on the RTÉ webcast on www.rte.ie.

The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, on Holy Thursday morning 5 April, concelebrates the Chrism Mass in the Vatican basilica. In the evening Pope Benedict will preside at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, in the basilica of St John Latern.

On Good Friday, 6 April, the Pope will lead the afternoon service consisting of the Liturgy of the Word, veneration of the Cross and the Communion. In the evening, in the Roman Coliseum, he will lead the Stations of the Cross.

On Holy Saturday night, 7 April, Pope Benedict will celebrate the Easter Vigil ceremony in St Peter’s basilica.

On Easter morning, the Holy Father will celebrate Mass in St Peter’s followed by his Urbi et Orbi message, delivered from the loggia of the basilica.

ENDS

Further information:
Martin Long Director of Communications (086 172 7678)