We reported last month that Pope Benedict XVI will lead a "vigil for nascent life" by presiding over first vespers on Nov. 27 in St. Peter's Basilica, to mark the start of Advent.We also reported that Pope Benedict will not be the only one leading the vigil, as the initiative is being promoted through bishops' conferences throughout the world. A letter from Cardinal Antonio Cañizares Llovera of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments and Cardinal Ennio Antonelli of the Pontifical Council for the Family has been sent to the bishops of the world to invite a similar celebration and prayer initiative on a local level throughout the Catholic Church.
We can now report that the Dublin Archdiocese has announced that Archbishop Diarmuid Martin will participate in this important event by leading vespers on Saturday 27th Nov. details of participation in the vigil as follows:
The Holy Father will celebrate in St Peter’s Basilica a solemn ‘Vigil for all nascent human life’ coinciding with the first vespers of the First Sunday of Advent. A similar celebration will take place in St. Mary’s Pro- Cathedral on Saturday 27 November at 4.00 p.m. led by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin which will be incorporated into our Annual Diocesan Advent Service. The atmosphere for these Advent celebrations is quiet and tranquil and you are invited to begin your season of prayerful preparation in this quiet oasis.
