Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - On February 25, the first Sunday of Lent, the annual spiritual exercises of the Holy Father and the Roman Curia will begin in the Redemptoris Mater Chapel of the Vatican's Apostolic Palace. This year's exercises, dedicated to the theme "The Things of Above," will be directed by Cardinal Giacomo Biffi, Archbishop emeritus of Bologna, Italy. The retreat will begin with Eucharistic exposition at 6 p.m., the celebration of Vespers, an introductory meditation, adoration and Eucharistic blessing.

Over the following days there will be the celebration of Lauds and meditation at 9 a.m.; celebration of Terce and meditation at 10.15 a.m.; meditation at 5 p.m.; and Vespers, adoration and Eucharistic blessing at 5.45 p.m. The spiritual exercises will come to an end on Saturday, March 3, with the celebration of Lauds and a closing meditation at 9 a.m.
During the retreat all audiences will be cancelled, including the weekly general audience of Wednesday, February 28. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 23/2/2007; righe 13; parole 177)