VATICAN CORNER
The Vatican’s Christmas tree this year is a 60 year old giant 69 foot high red fir which lost its !p when it was hit by lighting some years ago. It was given by the archdiocese of Elk, in northeastern Poland. A member of the forestry service cut down the tree and transported it over 1,200 miles across central Europe and Italy in a 12 day journey, traveling mostly at night when traffic was less. The tree is decorated with stars and baubles designed by young cancer patients from several Italian hospitals. The decorations were made out of clay by the children and their parents during therapeutic workshop sessions. and then reproduced using synthetic materials that can stand up to the winter weather conditions in St. Peter’s Square. Also a number of children from the earthquake –hit areas of central Italy took part in the ornament design too. This year the Sanctuary of Montevergine, an ancient Benedictine Abbey in the Campania region near Naples, provided the Vatican’s nativity scene. The nativity has 20 life size figures made of colored terracotta, with glass eyes and wearing fabric garments of the 18th century Neapolitan fashion. In addition to the traditional figures of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the Wise Men, shepherds, an angel and animals, other figures were used to represent the 7 Corporal Works of Mercy. Such works are burying the dead, visiting the imprisoned and clothing the naked, and were inspired by this year’s nativity theme of “Works of Mercy”. The whole scene is built on a platform of 900 square feet and 23 feet high. In a change from the past, this year a technological element was included. Visitors can connect to a special Wi-Fi access point in St. Peter’s Square and scan a QR code to watch a video to learn more about the nativity. On December 7, 2017 at the official inauguration and lighting ceremony, Pope Francis met with some of the young artists and delegations from Poland and the Campania region. Pope Francis reflected on the symbolism found in the traditions of the nativity and Christmas tree. He said they are signs of compassion of the heavenly Father, of his participation and closeness to humanity even in its “very difficulties.” The branches of the tree, reaching upward, ”remind us to reach for the highest gifts.” “The simplicity of the crib, we meet and contemplate the tenderness of God” as manifested in the Child Jesus. On Christmas Eve, Francis will celebrate midnight Mass beginning at 9:30 pm Rome Time. On noon on Christmas Day he will deliver his annual Christmas message, ahead of his traditional blessing to Rome and the whole world. Sources:
radiovaticana.va, cruznow.com, zenit.org, catholicnewsagency.com, ncregister.com