Christmas celebrations at the Cathedral Basilica

This morning, Father Thomas S. Willis, pastor of Cathedral Parish in St. Augustine, announced to Historic City News the times of Masses for the celebration of Christmas – the Solemnity of the Nativity of Christ.

On Friday, December 24, 2010, Vigil Masses will be celebrated at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine. A choir made up of children of the parish will be singing at the 4:00 p.m. Mass.

An additional Vigil Mass for Christmas will be celebrated at 5:00 p.m. at the Prince of Peace Votive Church (101 San Marco Avenue) on the grounds of the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche.

The Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine, the Most Reverend Victor Galeone, will celebrate the traditional Midnight Mass. Prior to this solemn Mass, the Chancel Choir of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine will provide a concert of sacred music beginning at 11:30 p.m.

On Christmas Day, Mass at Dawn, traditionally known as “The Shepherds Mass,” will be held at 8:00 a.m. in St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church (86 Martin Luther King Ave.).

Also on Christmas Day in the Cathedral Basilica, Masses will be at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

Fr. Willis notes there will be no 5:00 p.m. Mass on Christmas afternoon.

For additional information, please call (904) 824-2806. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine is located at the corner of Cathedral Place and St. George Street in historic downtown St. Augustine.

Photo credits: © 2010 Historic City News contributed photograph by Thomas S. Willis