LIVE Pope Francis’ Second Vespers on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul from St. Paul’s Basilica for the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
Pope Francis presides over the Second Vespers on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul at St. Paul’s Basilica, marking the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. This significant event brings together Christians worldwide, emphasizing unity, reconciliation, and a shared commitment to faith. The liturgy reflects on the transformative journey of St. Paul and renews the call for ecumenical dialogue and collaboration among Christian communities.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOLY MASS AND VESPERS: Mass and vespers are both Christian services that involve prayer and community worship. Mass is a Eucharistic celebration that commemorates Jesus’ death and resurrection. Vespers is an evening prayer service that gives thanks for the day and asks for God’s mercy. The name Vespers comes from vesperum which is Latin for evening. It marks the close of one day and the start of a new one since in a day in the Church ends at Sundown. It is not a communion service- that would be called Mass in the Western Tradition and Divine Liturgy in the Eastern.
Purpose:
- Mass: A celebration of Jesus’ death and resurrection
- Vespers: A prayer service that gives thanks for the day and asks for God’s mercy.
Structure:
- Mass: Has four parts: Introductory Rites, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist, and Concluding Rites.
- Vespers: Has an introductory verse, hymn, psalmody, responsory, gospel canticle, intercessions, Lord’s Prayer, and concluding prayer.