The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, will be celebrating a solemn “Vigil for all nascent human life” on Saturday 27 November 2010, the Eve of the First Sunday of Advent. It is the desire of our Holy Father that all Diocesan Bishops of every particular church preside in analogous celebrations involving the faithful in their respective Cathedrals. It is our Holy Father’s hope that this Vigil of Prayer on 27 November will offer to the entire world an outstanding witness of the Church’s culture of life and love.
In accordance with our Holy Father’s wishes the following “Prayer Vigil for Life” will take place in the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St. Nicholas.
Prayer Vigil for Life
Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St. Nicholas
Saturday 27 November 2010 @ 4.30 PM
Presided by Bishop Martin Drennan
Outline of Vigil:
Entrance Procession : The Rorate Coeli sung by Cathedral Choir
The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for veneration during the service
Ave Verum sung by Cathedral Choir
Sung Vespers, Evening Prayer 1, First Sunday of Advent. Vespers will be in English and the chanting of the psalms will be led by the Cathedral Choir. During Vespers, Bishop Drennan will preach a homily on the significance of the Vigil at the outset of the Liturgical Year.
After Vespers there will be a period of meditation on the dignity of human life. The congregation will listen to a reading from Genesis. The Choir will then chant Ave Maris Stella. Finally the congregation will pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary while meditating on the mystery of the Incarnation. The Vigil of Prayer will conclude with Benediction. The Vigil will end at approximately 5.30 PM.