Vatican
City, 13 December 2013 (VIS) – “An 'international' fir tree”
was how the Holy Father defined the Christmas tree which will adorn
St. Peter's Square during the festive season. Originating from close
to the border between Germany and the Czech Republic, it will be lit
this afternoon.
The
large fir tree and other smaller trees destined for other locations
within Vatican City were donated by the community of Waldmunchen,
Germany, located just eighteen kilometres from the border with the
Czech Republic. In his address to members of the community whom he
received in audience today, Pope Francis spoke about the “spiritual
closeness and friendship that unites all of Germany, and particularly
Bavaria, with the Holy See, following the Christian tradition that
has rendered fruitful the culture, literature and art of this nation,
and of Europe as a whole”.
The
tree will be admired by many Romans, pilgrims and tourists who attend
St. Peter's Square during the period of Advent, in which “there
resounds in every place the joyful proclamation of the angel to the
shepherds of Bethlehem … who were surrounded by a great light. Even
today, Jesus continues to dissipate the shadows of error and sin, to
bring to humanity the joy of the brilliant divine light, of which the
Christmas tree is a sign and a memory. May we let ourselves be
surrounded by the light of truth, so that the joy of the gospel may
fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus”.
The
Holy Father wished a happy Christmas to the representatives of the
community of Waldmunchen, as well as their families and compatriots,
and asked them to pray for him.
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