Team Preparing for Papal Trip to Portugal

LISBON, Portugal, FEB. 26, 2010 (Zenit.org).-The Vatican team responsible for organizing security and logistics for Benedict XVI's international trips ended a three-day visit to Portugal on Thursday.
 
According to the official Website of the papal visit to Portugal, set for May 11-14, a team led by Alberto Gasbarri met at the Apostolic Nunciature in Lisbon with members of the organizing committee of the visit, headed by Auxiliary Bishop Carlos Azevedo of Lisbon.
 
The Vatican group then held a working session in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with representatives of the offices of protocol and security.
 
On Wednesday, the team traveled to Fatima and Oporto, where it met with those in charge locally of the organization and security of the visit.
 
Celebrations
 
The master of papal liturgical ceremonies, Monsignor Guido Marini, also plans to be in Portugal from March 8-10, to visit the venues where liturgical ceremonies will take place during Benedict XVI's visit.

The prelate will participate in the preparation of the celebrations and will attend some of the rehearsals.
 
Benedict XVI will celebrate Mass in Lisbon on May 11, and on May 12 will travel to Fatima.

There he will visit the Chapel of the Apparitions and preside at vespers, rosary and procession at the Church of the Most Holy Trinity. Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Pope's secretary of state, will preside at the Mass. On May 13, Benedict XVI will celebrate Mass in Fatima.

Before leaving Portugal, the Pope will visit Oporto and celebrate Mass there on May 14.