Even at Christmas, "the
earth was again stained with blood", especially in the Philippines,
Nigeria and Pakistan said the pope today at the end of the Angelus with
pilgrims gathered in the square St. Peter's.
"In this Christmas season - said the pontiff - the desire
and the invocation of the gift of peace becomes even more intense. But
our world continues to be marked by violence, especially against the
disciples of Christ. I learned with great sadness of the attack in a
Catholic church in the Philippines, while the Christmas Day rites were
being celebrated, as well as the attack on Christian churches in Nigeria
".
Yesterday morning during Christmas Mass for the police in Jolo
(Mindanao), a bomb exploded near the altar wounding the priest and five
other people.
In Jos (Nigeria), long plagued by social and religious
tensions, seven bombs exploded in the center of the city, leaving 32
dead and 74 wounded.
A bomb that was set to explode during midnight mass
was defused by police.
"The earth - continued Benedict XVI – was again stained
with blood in other parts of the world, such as in Pakistan. I wish to
express my heartfelt condolences to the victims of this senseless
violence, and I repeat once again the call to abandon the path of hatred
to find peaceful solutions to conflicts and gift security and serenity
to these dear people. "
Then referring to today’s feast recalling the Holy
Family, "who lived through the dramatic experience of having to flee to
Egypt from the murderous rampage of Herod, let us remember - he added –
all those people - especially families - who are forced to flee their
homes because of war, violence and intolerance. I invite you therefore
to join me in prayer asking the Lord to forcefully move the hearts of
men and bring hope, reconciliation and peace. "
In fact the Pope dedicated the first part of his Angelus reflection to the Holy
Family. Benedict XVI explained, "the baby Jesus is the center of his
parents’ affection and solicitude. In the poor grotto in Bethlehem -
write the Fathers of the Church - a bright light shines, reflecting the
deep mystery that surrounds this Child, which Mary and Joseph keep in
their hearts and reveal in their eyes, gestures and especially in their
silences "
"And yet - continued the Pope - the birth of every child
brings something of this mystery! Parents, who receive their child as a
gift, know this well and often speak in such terms. We have all happened
to hear a father or a mother say: "This child is a gift, a miracle." In
fact, human beings do not experience procreation as a mere reproductive
act, but perceive its richness, sense that every human creature born
into this world is the "sign" par excellence of the Creator and Father
in heaven. How important it is, then, that every child coming into this
world is welcomed by the warmth of a family! No matter the outward
comforts: Jesus is born in a stable, with a manger as his first cradle,
but the love of Mary and Joseph made him feel the tenderness and beauty
of being loved. Children need this: the love of father and mother. That
's what gives them security and in growth, allows them to discover the
meaning of life. "
"The Holy Family of Nazareth experienced many trials, for
example – as mentioned in the Gospel according to Matthew - the"
Massacre of the Innocents ", which forced Mary and Joseph to emigrate to
Egypt (cf. 2.13 to 23). But, trusting in divine Providence, they found
their stability and provided a serene childhood and a solid education
for Jesus. "
"Dear friends - he concluded - the Holy Family is certainly
unique and unrepeatable, but at the same time it is the “model” for
every family, because Jesus, true man, chose to be born to in a human
family, and in so doing has blessed and consecrated it. Therefore,
we entrust to the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph all families, so they are
not discouraged by trials and difficulties, but always cultivate
conjugal love and confidently devote themselves to the service of life
and education. "
SIC: AN/INT'L