I would like to renew my gratitude to the Holy Father Benedict XVI for accepting the inivitation to come to Torino on Pastoral Visit on the occasion of the Holy Shroud Exihibition. I am now able, on the behalf of the Prefecture of the Papal Household, to share with you the official programme of the Pastoral Visit of the Holy Father on Sunday May 2, 2010.

 

10 a.m.: High Pontifical Mass celebrated by the Holy Father along with the cardinals, bishops and priests.

 

12 a.m.: After the celebration of the Holy Mass the Pope will lead the recital of the Regina Caeli.

 

4.30 p.m.: Meeting between the Pope and the youth. Greetings from the Cardinal Archbishop and two young people. Followed by a speech from the Holy Father for the youth.

 

5.15 p.m: After the meeting with the youth, the Pope will head to the Cathedreal to revere the Holy Shroud.

 

6.30 p.m: The Holy Father will visit the Cottolengo and meet with the patients and residents of the Little House. After the greetings from Padre Aldo Sarotto, Superior General of the Cottolengo, the Pope will speak to the residents of the Little House. At the end of his speech the Holy Father will greet some of the patients in the church.

 

“I exhorte everyone to pray for the Holy Father, his Person and magisterium. In order to show the affection and sincere communion with the Holy Father and allow the priests and faithful to attend the Holy Mass celebrated by the Pope, no other mass will be taking place in the territory of the Archdiocese.

 

I believe the Pastoral Visit of Benedict XVI to Torino and our diocese will mark a new glorious page in the already rich history of faith of our Church in Torino. Let’s show our affection and sincere communion with his Person and magisterium through our warm welcome and numerous attendance at the meetings with the Pope.”

 

 

Torino, 9 March 2010

+ Severino Card. POLETTO

Archbishop of Totino