This Sunday, Pope Francis marked the Christmas season and He asked “not to confuse celebration with consumerism” and that the populations suffering because of the war, that is, the Palestinians, Israelis and Ukrainians, should not be forgotten.
“I wish you a good Sunday and a Christmas Eve in prayer, in the warmth of affection and in sobriety and, if you allow me, a recommendation: do not confuse celebration with consumerism,” said the Pope during the Angelus prayer in St. Peter, in Vatican City.
“As Christians, You can celebrate simply and without waste.share with other people who don’t have what it takes or that they have no company”said the leader of the Catholic Church, leaning out of the window of the papal palace.
Francis also asked that this Christmas not forget the “brothers who suffer from war” and invited everyone to “think of Palestine, Israel and Ukraine and of those who suffer poverty, hunger and slavery.”
The Pope, who is still recovering from bronchitiswill preside over all the Christmas liturgical events, beginning with Celebration of the Midnight Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica.
The mass will begin at 7:30 p.m. (6:30 p.m. in Lisbon), as has been customary in recent years, instead of waiting until midnight, so that the faithful can come to dinner with their families.
On Christmas morning, Francis will appear again at 12:00 (11:00 in Lisbon) on the central balcony of the Vatican basilica, as on the day of his election, to read the Christmas message, focused on the evils and wars of the world. world, and he grants the blessing “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city of Rome and the entire world).
On December 31, First Vespers will be celebrated in St. Peter’s Basilica at 5:00 p.m. (4:00 p.m. in Lisbon) and, on January 1, the Mass for the Solemnity of Mary Most Holy Mother of God will be celebrated. which coincides with the World Day of Peace.
The Christmas celebrations will end on January 6, with the Epiphany Mass at 10:00 (09:00 in Lisbon) in São Pedro Square.
Source: TSF
