What is Solemn Vespers?

That time of hope and anticipation which occurs prior to an important event provides us with a special opportunity to offer our thanks to the Lord, to those who have journeyed with us, and to those whom we have yet to know.

The evening prior to his Ordination and Installation as the eighth bishop of the Diocese of Tucson, Bishop-Elect James A. Misko will be taking this special opportunity to pray Solemn Vespers, the Liturgy of the Hours at Evening time and meet with the Catholic faithful from across the Diocese of Tucson along with special guests from across the country.  All are welcome to join at St. Augustine Cathedral on February 19^th at 5:30 pm.

What is Solemn Vespers? Vespers, also called Evening Prayer, is part of the Liturgy of the Hour, which is known as the universal prayer of the Church.  Clergy, religious, and lay faithful throughout the world pray the Liturgy of the Hours throughout the day, the evening and the night. Evening Prayer gives thanks for the day just past and makes an evening sacrifice of praise to God.  Prior to an Ordination/Installation Mass of a bishop, the Bishop-elect invites the faithful to join him as he prepares to root himself in the diocese and be nurtured by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in the presence of His flock.  

The structure of Evening Prayer consists of a hymn, psalms, a scripture reading, a brief reflection and responsory.  The Canticle of Mary from the Gospel of Luke follows as we recite the Magnificat with the Blessed Mother, recalling her words: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.”  After this Canticle all pray intercessory prayers for the needs of the Church, the world, and those who have died. Then as our Lord taught us, all pray the Our Father, which is followed by a concluding prayer, the blessing offered by the celebrant, and the dismissal. 
A light reception and greeting of Bishop-elect Misko will follow the Evening Prayer on the 1^st Floor of the Bishop Kicanas Pastoral Center. Prayer Intentions can be placed in the baskets on the tables in the back of the cathedral. These will be included in the intercessory prayers.

The Mass of Ordination and Installation of Bishop-elect James A. Misko will be at St. Augustine Cathedral on February 20^th at 2:00 pm. Due to limited seating, the celebration is invitation only and tickets are required.

Parishes will be given tickets for attendance at the Mass which will also be live-streamed on the Diocesan website and Facebook page so that all may join in the celebration of this blessed moment for the Diocese of Tucson.