The Bicentennial in full swing!

Catholics of the Archdiocese of Boston began their observance of the 200th anniversary of the archdiocese with a special Mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross on the first Sunday of Advent. It was very well-attended, with many priests, deacons, religious and faithful representing the parishes of this local Church. The choirs represented the diversity of our archdiocese with the Cathedral Brass Ensemble, the Cathedral Hispanic Choir, the Cathedral Festival Choir and different parish choirs representing the Brazilian, Haitian, Kenyan, Korean and Vietnamese communities.

If you still haven’t had a chance to watch the Mass, you can watch see it on demand at the CatholicTV web site by clicking here. If you would like to simply hear Cardinal Sean’s homily to open this year of celebration, simply click here.

During this bicentennial year, there will be a number of events. One very important initiative is “Arise: Together in Christ,” a program prepared by Renew International that is the cornerstone of our celebration. A new Archdiocesan web page will be launched in the upcoming year, and there is already a site for the bicentennial at http://www.boston200.org/.

The Church of Boston begins her Bicentennial Celebration!

This Sunday, December 2, 2007 at 2:00 PM, Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley will be joined by priests, religious, deacons and parishioners from around the Archdiocese of Boston celebrate the opening Mass for the bicentennial. The bicentennial celebration will be observed over the next twelve months concluding with a closing liturgy on Sunday, November 23, 2008 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.

The centerpiece of the yearlong celebration will be a comprehensive process of spiritual renewal. This process, now underway, is being be offered by RENEW International and is entitled ARISE: Together in Christ. Many events, talks and liturgical celebrations will take place during the course of the year.

For information on the entire celebration please visit http://www.boston200.org/.CatholicTV will broadcast the opening Mass this Sunday beginning at 2pm. It will be available on its cable channel and online at http://www.catholictv.com/