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                               VIS-Press releases

ANGELUS: HOLY FAMILY AND PLEA FOR AN END TO VIOLENCE

VATICAN CITY, 26 DEC 2010 (VIS) - At midday today, the first Sunday after
Christmas and Feast of the Holy Family, Benedict XVI appeared at the window of
his study to pray the Angelus with faithful gathered below in St. Peter's
Square.

"In the poor grotto of Bethlehem", the Pope said, "a bright
light shone forth,
a reflection of the profound mystery which surrounded that Child, and which
Mary and Joseph guarded in their hearts. ... Indeed, in their most intimate
depths they conserved the words of the angel's announcement to Mary: 'the child
to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God'".

"The birth of any child brings with it something of this mystery. Parents know
this well as they receive their offspring as a gift, and often talk of it as
such. ... Human beings experience procreation not merely as reproductive act;
they perceive its richness, they are intuitively aware that every human
creature who enters into the world is a 'sign' par excellence of the Creator
and Father in heaven.

"How important it is, then", the Holy Father added, "for
each child coming into
the world to be welcomed into the warmth of a family! Exterior comforts are not
important. Jesus was born in a stable and His first cradle was a manger, but
the love of Mary and Joseph made Him feel the tenderness and beauty of being
loved. This is what children need: the love of a father and mother. This is
what gives them a sense of security and, as they grow, enables them to discover
the meaning of life. The Holy Family of Nazareth had to suffer many trials,
such as... the 'massacre of the innocents', which forced Joseph and Mary to
flee to Egypt. But, trusting in divine Providence, they found their stability
and ensured Jesus had a serene infancy and a solid education".

"The Holy Family was certainly unique and unrepeatable", the Pope
concluded,
"but at the same time it is a 'life model' for all families because Jesus, true
man, chose to be born in a human family and, by doing so, blessed and
consecrated that institution. And so we entrust all families to Mary and
Joseph, that they may not be discouraged in the face of trials and difficulties
but always cultivate conjugal love and dedicate themselves faithfully to the
service of life and education".

After praying the Angelus, the Holy Father launched a fresh appeal for peace,
hope and reconciliation.

"Over this Christmas period, the desire and calls for the gift of peace have
become more intense. Yet our world continues to be marked by violence,
especially against the disciples of Christ. I learned with great sadness of the
attack on a Catholic church in the Philippines during the celebration of the
Christmas liturgy, as well as attacks against Christian churches in Nigeria.
The earth has also been stained with blood in other parts of the world, such as
Pakistan. I wish to express my heartfelt condolences for the victims of this
absurd violence, and I once again reiterate my appeal to abandon the path of
hatred in order to find peaceful solutions to conflicts and bring security and
tranquillity to those dear people. On this day in which we celebrate the Feast
of the Holy Family, who underwent the dramatic experience of having to flee
into Egypt because of the murderous fury of Herod, let us remember all those,
especially families, who are forced to abandon their homes because of war,
violence and intolerance. I invite you, therefore, to join me in praying
fervently that the Lord may touch people's hearts and bring hope,
reconciliation and peace".
ANG/VIS 20101228 (630)

SUMMARY

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