Good news from the holy sea

[deblabant]

​ Dear friends. So Christmas has almost arrived. At the Vatican, everything is in motion to prepare for the celebrations. But there were also some significant news stories coming from the Holy See. One of the highest-profile Vatican court cases came to an end on Saturday when Cardinal Becciu was sentenced to five and a half years in prison. Then, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith issued new guidance blessings, including same-sex and re-married couples. We have all the facts here. But let us return to Christmas: in the Holy Land, where our story of faith began, the Christian community faces significant challenges. Cardinal Filoni, Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, recently highlighted the pressing needs in Jerusalem. The Order is devoted to supporting the Church in the Holy Land. The collective efforts of its members globally are sustaining the Christian presence there. The Vatican during Advent is a spectacle of faith and tradition. This year, Pope Francis blessed the Golden Rose and presented it to the Salus Populi Icon in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a site deeply intertwined with the Nativity of Christ. St. Peter’s Square is currently adorned with a particular Nativity scene and a majestic Christmas tree, celebrating 800 years since St. Francis of Assisi’s first depiction of the Nativity. Additionally, the “100 Nativity Scenes” exhibition in the Vatican offers a fascinating glimpse into global nativity art traditions. Headed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the 2023 Ratzinger Price honored two distinguished theologians, reinforcing the rich theological heritage left by Pope Benedict XVI. It’s a reminder of his profound intellectual legacy we are called to continue in our faith journey. As we immerse ourselves in the spirit of this Advent season, let us draw inspiration from these stories of faith, hope, and unity. Wishing you a blessed Advent and a joyful Christmas season. As always, please make sure to join our upcoming live streams, which you can see in the infographic below. Thank you so much, and remember that God has a plan and does not make any mistakes,

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[maganjwa]

Sijaona chochote