JPII's beatification: a three-day event

The Vatican just released the schedule for the events surrounding Pope John Paul II's beatification this spring. While the ceremony itself takes place May 1 (Divine Mercy Sunday), things will really kick off the day before at the Circus Maximus with a nighttime vigil organized by the diocese of Rome. (Benedict XVI, the communique notes, will be "spiritually present" at the vigil via video linkup).

The next morning, the beatification ceremony -- presided over by Pope Benedict himself -- will be held in the overflowing St. Peter's Square. Following the ceremony, the remains of Blessed John Paul II will be available for veneration "for as long as the faithful continue to arrive" -- a long day, and night, to be sure.

Finally, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone will preside over a Mass of Thanksgiving Monday morning in St. Peter's Square.

Elizabeth Hansen