Friday October 1, 2010
Pope Calls for Worldwide Vigil for All Nascent Human Life
October 1, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) - On Saturday, November 27th at St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Benedict XVI will celebrate a “Vigil for All Nascent Human Life” coinciding with first vespers of the First Sunday of Advent.
The Holy Father has also requested that “all Diocesan Bishops (and their equivalent) of every particular church preside in analogous celebrations involving the faithful in their respective parishes, religious communities, associations and movements.”
An outline for the Vigil was provided from the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments and the Pontifical Council for the Family. Given the importance of the Holy Father’s request, the USCCB Secretariat of Divine Worship and the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities have collaborated in developing Vigil prayer aids for dioceses and parishes.
Acknowledging that in the U.S. the Vigil falls on “Thanksgiving Weekend” and that many parishes have complicated Mass schedules on Saturday evenings, the USCCB provided four possible schemes for observing the vigil, which may include a Marian Procession, Evening Prayer, recitation of the Rosary, Benediction with the Blessed Sacrament.
The bishops say they will distribute customizable prayer guides, as well as a Rubric will for priests and liturgy directors.
"We are grateful to dioceses that have already made plans to celebrate this special Vigil in union with our Holy Father and the Church all around the world," said the bishops, who noted that more information will be forthcoming soon.