A million copies of a handbook including hymns, prayers and articles about the Pope's visit will be distributed to parishes across England, Scotland and Wales, the Catholic Church said today. The pocket-sized publication will provide the words of prayers, liturgy and hymns for public events involving the Pope during his four-day trip to Scotland and England next month.
The Pope is to begin his trip in Edinburgh on September 16 where he will meet the Queen before heading to Glasgow for an open-air Mass at Bellahouston Park.
He will spend two days in London where his engagements include evening prayer at Westminster Abbey and a prayer vigil in Hyde Park, London, on Saturday September 18.
The visit will conclude on September 19 with the beatification in Cofton Park, Birmingham, of Cardinal John Henry Newman, the Victorian convert from the Church of England to Catholicism.
The Catholic Church said the handbook could be used by people following the visit from home as well as those attending the major public events.
SIC: TIUK