CATHOLICS throughout England and Wales are being invited to share nine days of prayer with fellow Christians in preparation for the Peope's visit.
The novena, a traditional form of devotion in the Church, will end on Sunday, May 30, the feast of Pentecost, which the Pope will celebrate at Coventry on the third day of his visit to England, Scotland and Wales.
Two forms of service, centred on Scripture, have been prepared by the Liturgy Commission of the diocese of Clifton. Special prayers have been composed by Canon Dennis Corbishley, the Secretary of the Ecumenical Commission.
The novena has been prepared under the aegis of the Papal Visit Spiritual Preparation Committee which is chaired by Bishuip Mervyn Alexander of Clifton. A copy of the services has been sent to each diocesan bishop. The bishops can use or amend the format according to local needs.
The novena is designed for use in parishes, religious communities and ecumenical prayer groups.