This Saturday, September 21, 2019, Pope Francis will make a pastoral visit to the municipality of Albano, in the Italian Province of Lazio.
According to what Bishop Marcello Semeraro of Albano said to “Vatican News” last July, since September 21, 1953, feast of Saint Matthew, Francis remembers on that day a meeting he had with a priest, which was very important in the story of his vocation.
Benedict XVI’s Visit
So, this year, Bishop Semeraro decided to invite the Holy Father to relive this spiritual appointment with the Church of Albano given, moreover, that on September 21, 2008, Benedict XVI went to the Cathedral of Saint Pancras in Albano, for the Dedication of the new Main Altar and the inauguration of the new Episcopal Cathedral.
The Prelate pointed out that Benedict XVI’s visit has become since then a point of reference to celebrate the anniversary of that Dedication, thanks to which the church’s restoration works have been completed.
Program
The Holy See Press Office reported yesterday, September 16, 2019 the complete program of Pope Francis’ visit to Albano.
He will leave for Albano by car at 4:30 pm, and should arrive at the municipality’s Cathedral at 5:15 pm.
Bishop Marcello Semeraro of Albano and the municipality’s Mayor, Nicola Marini, will welcome the Pontiff, who will be given a gift by the Mayor and shown a “mural” as a souvenir of his visit. Then a prayer with priests will be held in the Cathedral.
The Mass, Center of the Visit
The con-celebration of the Eucharist, presided over by the Holy Father, who will give a homily, is scheduled for 6:00 pm in Pia Square. At the end of the Mass, the Bishop of Albano will dedicate a few words to the Pope.
The Bishop of Rome is scheduled to return to the Vatican at 8:00 pm.
