Full schedule set for Pope's January visit to Sri Lanka, Philippines
November 14, 2014
The Vatican has announced the full schedule for a January trip by Pope Francis to Sri Lanka and the Philippines.
The Pontiff will leave Rome on Monday evening, January 12, to fly to Colombo, Sri Lanka, arriving there on Tuesday morning. After a welcoming ceremony, his schedule will include a meeting with the country’s bishops, a courtesy call on the president, and an inter-religious meeting.
On January 14, the Pope will preside at the canonization of Blessed Joseph Vaz, then visit the shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary at Madhu.
On Thursday, January 15, after visiting another Marian shrine at Bolawalana, the Pope will take a flight to Manila, where he will arrive late in the afternoon.
On Friday the Pope will make a courtesy call at the presidential palace, then speak to political and diplomatic leaders. After a midday Mass with bishops, priests, and religious, he will hold a meeting with families.
On Saturday, January 17, the Holy Father will celebrate mass with survivors of the typhoon Yolanda, then share lunch with their families in Palo, then return to Manila.
Sunday, January 18 will be the last full day of the papal visit. He will meet with religious leaders, then young people, and finally celebrate Mass in an urban park.
On Monday, January 19, the Pope will leave Manila on a morning flight. He is due to arrive back in Rome early in the evening.
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