WASHINGTON, D.C. (Catholic Online) - Shortly after his trip through the Streets of down town Washington, DC where he was greeted by massive crowds, the Pope arrived to an enthusiastic welcome at the Shrine of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception on the Campus of the Catholic University of America.

Inside the Crypt Church of the Shrine,Pope Benedict XVI presided over a Vespers Prayer Service with all of the Bishops of the United States.

The choir of the Shrine led the Service with the beauty of Gregorian chant and stunningly beautiful musical choral renditions. His Holiness entered with his gold Cope held by two Deacons, accompanied by acolytes and vested clergy.

The Liturgy of Vespers over which he then presided reflected “treasures old and new” in the words of the Holy Gospel. It also reflected the Holy Father’s deep and abiding commitment to re-presenting the ancient worship of the Church as both ancient and ever fresh, with no discontinuity at all.

In contrast to some who have tried to wrongfully present the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council as a rupture or a break with the ancient liturgical traditions, this Pope is dedicated to this principle of continuity.

He is a master liturgist and a theologian who understands that the words of the ancient maxim “Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi, Lex Vivendi” provide the heart of a Catholic vision of worship.

Loosely translated the principle proclaims that “As we worship, so we will believe and so we will live.”

So the Nation, and a watching world, were taken into the ancient beauty of Vespers, accompanied in the experience by a heavenly choir and led by Pope Benedict XVI.

It was a profound experience of Catholic worship and a fitting preparation for what was to come. Moments after prayer, the Holy father gave his major address to all of the Bishops, and to all of the faithful.