For a perspective on the year that has passed, we turn to Catholic News Service Rome bureau chief John Thavis and CNS Rome correspondent Carol Glatz with this report distributed by H2oNews:

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CNS' John Thavis also offers us a preview of what is in store for the Holy Father this year:

Synod, saints, shroud all on papal calendar for 2010

By John Thavis

Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- As Pope Benedict XVI says goodbye to 2009, his 2010 calendar is already being filled.

On the horizon for the next 12 months are four papal trips; a Middle East Synod of Bishops; the expected publication of a document on the Bible and the second volume of "Jesus of Nazareth;" a major gathering of the world's priests; a pilgrimage to the Shroud of Turin; a probable consistory and several likely canonizations and beatifications -- including that of Pope John Paul II.

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