At 11:00am this morning, in the Paul VI Hall, the Holy Father, Pope Francis received in audience a delegation from Malta and from Tentino who were in Rome to present the Christmas tree and the manger scene that have been installed in Saint Peter's Square.
Greetings of the Holy Father, Pope Francis
for his meeting with donors from Malta and Trentino
Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!
I am pleased to welcome you and to express my thanks on the occasion of the installation of the Christmas tree and the manger scene that will be admired in Saint Peter's Square by pilgrims from all over the world during Advent and the festivities of Christmas. I thank the Bishops and the Governor of Malta, who have donated and installed the manger scene; as well as the Lagorai Forestry Association who have provided the large red spruce and the other trees that will be installed at the Vatican. And I greet all of you, representatives of the Archdiocese and the Province of Trento, along with the Authorities from the Comune of Bassa Valsugana. A special thought is offered to you children who have decorated the tree, with the support of the Lene Thun Foundation who are responsible for the ceramic-therapy laboratories in various hospitals. The coloured spheres you have created represent the values of life, love and peace that Christmas and Christ come to propose anew every year.
The manger scene that has been placed in Saint Peter's Square, the artistic work of Gozo Manwel Grech, reproduces the Maltese countryside, and is complemented by the traditional Maltese cross and the luzzu, a typical Maltese boat that recalls the sad and tragic reality of migrants aboard such boats destined for Italy. In the painful experience of these brothers and sisters, let us also perceive the experience of the child Jesus, who at the moment of his birth could not find lodgings, yet came toward the light in the grotto in Bethlehem; and then was taken to Egypt, fleeing Herod's threat. How many people will visit this manger, and be invited to rediscover its symbolic value, which is a message of fraternity, sharing, welcome and solidarity. Mangers installed in churches, houses and in many public places are also invitations to make room in our lives and in society for God, hidden in the faces of so many people who face conditions of hardship, poverty and tribulation.
The Christmas tree installed beside the manger comes from the Scurelle woods, at the foot of the Lagorai mountain range, surrounded by the beauty of nature, flowers, plants and crystal clear streams that run along its many trails. The beauty of its panorama is an invitation to contemplate the Creator and to respect nature, the work of his hands. We are all called to draw close to creation with contemplative reverence.
The manger scene and the tree now speak a message of hope and of love, and they help to create a favourable Christmas environment in which visitors can experience the mystery of the birth of the Redeemer with faith. He came to the earth with simplicity and meekness. Let us be drawn, with child-like intentions, to stand before the manger, for there we understand the goodness of God and we contemplate his mercy, which took on human flesh in order to soften our gaze.
I thank you! Congratulations to all of you here present and to all those who are resident in your country. May you experience the serenity and intensity of the Lord's birth. I ask you, please, to pray for me, and I invoke the Lord's blessings upon you, your families and upon all people of our lands.
Greetings of the Holy Father, Pope Francis
for his meeting with donors from Malta and Trentino
Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!
I am pleased to welcome you and to express my thanks on the occasion of the installation of the Christmas tree and the manger scene that will be admired in Saint Peter's Square by pilgrims from all over the world during Advent and the festivities of Christmas. I thank the Bishops and the Governor of Malta, who have donated and installed the manger scene; as well as the Lagorai Forestry Association who have provided the large red spruce and the other trees that will be installed at the Vatican. And I greet all of you, representatives of the Archdiocese and the Province of Trento, along with the Authorities from the Comune of Bassa Valsugana. A special thought is offered to you children who have decorated the tree, with the support of the Lene Thun Foundation who are responsible for the ceramic-therapy laboratories in various hospitals. The coloured spheres you have created represent the values of life, love and peace that Christmas and Christ come to propose anew every year.
The manger scene that has been placed in Saint Peter's Square, the artistic work of Gozo Manwel Grech, reproduces the Maltese countryside, and is complemented by the traditional Maltese cross and the luzzu, a typical Maltese boat that recalls the sad and tragic reality of migrants aboard such boats destined for Italy. In the painful experience of these brothers and sisters, let us also perceive the experience of the child Jesus, who at the moment of his birth could not find lodgings, yet came toward the light in the grotto in Bethlehem; and then was taken to Egypt, fleeing Herod's threat. How many people will visit this manger, and be invited to rediscover its symbolic value, which is a message of fraternity, sharing, welcome and solidarity. Mangers installed in churches, houses and in many public places are also invitations to make room in our lives and in society for God, hidden in the faces of so many people who face conditions of hardship, poverty and tribulation.
The Christmas tree installed beside the manger comes from the Scurelle woods, at the foot of the Lagorai mountain range, surrounded by the beauty of nature, flowers, plants and crystal clear streams that run along its many trails. The beauty of its panorama is an invitation to contemplate the Creator and to respect nature, the work of his hands. We are all called to draw close to creation with contemplative reverence.
The manger scene and the tree now speak a message of hope and of love, and they help to create a favourable Christmas environment in which visitors can experience the mystery of the birth of the Redeemer with faith. He came to the earth with simplicity and meekness. Let us be drawn, with child-like intentions, to stand before the manger, for there we understand the goodness of God and we contemplate his mercy, which took on human flesh in order to soften our gaze.
I thank you! Congratulations to all of you here present and to all those who are resident in your country. May you experience the serenity and intensity of the Lord's birth. I ask you, please, to pray for me, and I invoke the Lord's blessings upon you, your families and upon all people of our lands.
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