PRESS RELEASE

Initiatives in Saint Peter's Basilica during the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops

*****

VATICAN CITY, 4 OCT - Saint Peter's Basilica will accompany the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops with daily prayer initiatives. Pilgrims will be able to join in prayer for the Synod at the Masses celebrated in the Basilica and with evening Eucharistic Adoration, to be held in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel on weekdays at 19.00 at the end of the assembly sessions. The intention is thus to offer the participants in the Synod and the faithful the opportunity to gather together daily in adoration at the end of the synod work. On this special occasion the closing time of the Basilica is moved to 20.00.

On Saturday evenings in October, a month especially dedicated to praying the Rosary, people will pray for the Synod in the Rosary aux flambeaux at 21.00 in Saint Peter's Square. Assembly participants are invited to attend. The first prayer appointment, on Saturday 7 October, memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Rosary, will be presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary general of the General Secretariat of the Synod.

During the opening hours of the Basilica, two information points located at the entrance to the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament and at the Chapel of Saint Joseph will display directions for downloading and reading online the texts for personal prayer in the various languages from the Saint Peter's Basilica website (www.basilicasanpietro.va).

Saint Peter’s Basilica and Fabric of Saint Peter Institutional Communications Office

comunicazioneistituzionale@fsp.va

Roberta Leone (head) +393931198745

Beatrice Offidani (collaborator) +393461425033