Thursday, 26 August 2010

A million copies of ‘Magnificat' are being distributed to parishes across England, Scotland and Wales this week. The handbook contains the texts for the times of public prayer that the Holy Father will participate in, together with a series of brief articles about the Visit. It comes in a hard-wearing, pocket-sized format which makes it easy to carry around and ‘pray as you go’ and to take to Papal liturgies.

Papal Visit Co-ordinator, Monsignor Andrew Summersgill said: “Although (a million copies) isn’t enough for everybody who regularly attends Mass, it is enough for each household, certainly, to have a copy. And also of course for those people who are going either to Bellahouston, to Hyde Park, or to Cofton Park. It will also be helpful for those who will be following the Pope from home, or from gatherings in their own parish. It’s designed to help across the board."

The publication has been produced by the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales and Scotland in co-operation with Gabriel Communications, the Catholic Truth Society and Magnificat.  It also includes texts for the Liturgy of the Church (Morning and Evening Prayer, and the Mass) for some days before and after the Papal Visit.

We would like to invite you to make a donation towards the Handbook if you are able. £2-00 per copy would help to cover the costs. Please use the Handbook when following the Pope’s visit on television or the internet.