Pope thanks donors of St. Peter’s Square Christmas
Crib and tree
“The Nativity Scene is the suggestive place where we
contemplate Jesus, who having assumed our wretchedness,
invites us to do likewise through our acts of mercy.” Pope
Francis made the reflection on Thursday while thanking all those who donated
this year’s Nativity Scene on the theme of works of mercy and the 28 meter tall
Christmas tree set up in the centre of St. Peter’s Square in Rome. The Pope
wished that the birth of the Lord be an occasion for all to be attentive to the
needs of the poor and all those who like Jesus don't’ find anyone to welcome
them.
represented the southern Italian Benedictine Abbey of Montevergine that
donated the Nativity Scene, Poland’s Warmia Archdiocese
and Elk Diocese that donated the red fir tree and children undergoing
cancer treatment in various Italian hospitals who made the various decorations.
Commenting on the Christmas tree, the Pope said it is a sign
of the faith of the Polish people and the expression of
their fidelity to the see of Peter. Thanking the children he
said they have conveyed to Jesus their dreams and desires through their
decorations which, he said, will be admired by pilgrims from all over the
world.
Message of Crib, Christmas tree
The Pope said that each year the Christmas Crib and the
Christmas tree become a symbol of thecompassion of the heavenly Father,
and his participation and closeness with humanity that feels it is not
abandoned in the night of the times but is visited and accompanied amidst its
difficulties.
The tree pointing up, he said, urges us to stretch out
"towards the highest gifts", and rise above the mist that clouds, to
feel how beautiful and joyous it is to be immersed in the light of
Christ. In the simplicity of the crib we meet and contemplate the tenderness
of God, manifested in that of the Child Jesus.
St. Peter's Christmas Crib and Christmas tree were to be
inaugurated later on Thursday.
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