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NOTIFICATION

 

CAPPELLA PAPALE
FOR THE CLOSING OF THE HOLY DOOR
SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY 2001

 

On Saturday, 6 January 2001, at 9:30 a.m., His Holiness Pope John Paul II will close the Holy Door of the Patriarchal Vatican Basilica and celebrate the Mass of the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord in Saint Peter’s Square.

* * *

The Jubilee Year comes to a close, but the door of divine mercy remains open: the Church, as two thousand years ago in Bethlehem, continues to manifest the mystery of salvation to all mankind, as she awaits the return of her Lord in glory. Together with Peter, let us reaffirm our faith in Christ, the Son of the living God, present in his Church, yesterday and today and for ever!

* * *


The celebration will include the following ritual moments:

— a procession from the Braccio di Costantino towards the porch of the Vatican Basilica;

— a "statio" in front of the Holy Door;

— the closing of the Holy Door;

— a procession with the Gospel Book towards the altar in Saint Peter’s Square;

— the singing of the Gloria and the celebration of Mass;

— the proclamation of the date of Easter following the chanting of the Gospel;

— the singing of the Te Deum after Communion, in thanksgiving to the Blessed Trinity for the gift of the Great Jubilee.

* * *

 

Those who wish to take part in the celebration are asked to observe the following directives:

 

1) The Cardinals and the Members of the Committee for the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 may concelebrate with the Holy Father. They are asked to be present at the Braccio di Costantino at 9:00 a.m. in order to vest; they should bring with them a white damask mitre.

2) All those who, in conformity with the Motu Proprio "Pontificalis Domus" are members of the Cappella Pontificia and wish to take part in the Liturgical Celebration are asked to be present by 9:00 a.m. in Saint Peter’s Square, where they will take their assigned places.

Prior to the entrance procession, the Archbishops and Bishops, a representation of the Vatican Chapter and of the Penitentiaries of the Basilica, the Dean and the Vice-Dean of the Diplomatic Corps attached to the Holy See, and the Papal (Sistine) Choir will take their places, according to the directions given by the Masters of Ceremonies, in the porch of the Vatican Basilica for the Rite of the Closing of the Holy Door.

3) The following indications are given with regard to dress:

 

— The Cardinals who will not concelebrate, Patriarchs, Archbishops, and Bishops wear the rochet and mozzetta over their proper choir dress;

— Abbots and Religous vest in their proper choir dress.

— Prelates wear the rochet and mantelletta, or the surplice, over the purple cassock and purple sash, according to their rank;

— Chaplains of His Holiness wear the surplice over the black cassock with purple piping and purple sash.

 

Vatican City, 18 December 2000

 

By mandate of the Holy Father

+ PIERO MARINI
Titular Bishop of Martirano
Master of the Liturgical Celebrations
of the Supreme Pontiff

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