VATICAN - The Holy Father Benedict XVI will inaugurate the Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the Word of God in the Basilica of St. Paul's Outside the Walls; pastoral visits to Cagliari, Lourdes, and Pompeii

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy See Press Office has published the
calendar of celebrations that Pope Benedict XIV will preside over. In September, the Pope will make a pastoral visit to Cagliari, Italy on September 7. He will then go to France September 12-15, for the 150th anniversary of he apparitions of the Virgin Mary at Lourdes. On September 21, Benedict XVI will celebrate Mass and dedicate the altar in the cathedral of Albano, Italy. On the first Sunday of October, the Pope will preside the inauguration of the 12th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops at the Basilica of St. Paul's Outside the Walls. The theme for the Synod is: “The Word of God in the life and mission of the Church.” On October 9, the Holy Father will celebrate a Mass to mark the 50th anniversary of the death of Servant of God Pope Pius XII. On Oct. 12, he will preside over four canonizations. On October 19, he will make a pastoral visit to the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Holy Rosary of Pompei, Italy, where he will celebrate Mass and lead the praying of the Rosary in the afternoon. On October 26, the Holy Father will preside Mass in the Vatican Basilica, conclusion of the Twelfth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 5/9/2008)