Announcing the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6

At the beginning of his homily, the Pope said:

Dear brothers and sisters, happy Epiphany of the Lord!

Today the Church celebrates the appearance of Jesus, and the Gospel focuses on the Magi.

If we pay attention, we will discover something a bit strange: while the wise men from far away came to find Jesus, those nearby did not even take a step to the cave of Bethlehem.

On the contrary, those living in Jerusalem, who should be the happiest and ready to leave, remained sitting still.

Brothers and sisters, this event makes us think and worry in some ways, because it raises the question: To which group do I, we, today’s people, belong?

According to one story, the fourth Magi arrived late in Jerusalem, right at the time of Jesus’ crucifixion – this is a good story;

Let us ask the Virgin Mary to help us so that, following the example of the shepherds and Magi, we may know how to recognize Jesus close to us, in the Eucharist, in the poor, in brothers and sisters, our abandoned sisters, and prisoners.

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After the Angelus, the Pope said:

Epiphany is World Children’s Mission Day, this year’s theme is “invite everyone to the party”.

He would like to send warm wishes to the Eastern Church communities because tomorrow Holy Christmas will be celebrated.

He joyfully welcomed the historic folk procession, which this year was dedicated to the City of Amelia and neighboring towns.

He then went on to ask everyone to pray for peace in Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Myanmar and all places where there is war.

He greets the faithful of Massafra, the youth of the “Inner Tea – Among Us” movement, the “friends of history and tradition” of the town of Carovilli, Italy and the Soriano choir of Cimino.

I wish everyone a happy Epiphany and don’t forget to pray for me.