Friday, December 28, Octave of Christmas
FEAST OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS, Martyrs
The massacre of the innocents on the orders of Herod is one of those Biblical scenes that inspired the best painters. The sampling shown here are, from left, by Giotto, Ghirlandaio, and Rubens. In Hispanic countries, the Dia de Lod Ninos Inocentes is the precursor of the American April Fools' Day, when everyone is expected to pull a joke on unsuspecting 'innocents'.
Readings for today's Mass:
www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122812.cfm
No events announced for the Holy Father today.
The Vatican Press Office has not yet posted any bulletin on the following item, but here is a report from Vatican Radio's English service:
Benedict XVI greets new
Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch
December 28, 2012
At a time when the Middle East is so unstable and prone to violence, “it is increasingly urgent that the disciples of Christ offer an authentic witness of their unity, so that the world may believe the Gospel message of love, peace and reconciliation,” Pope Benedict XVI wrote in a message to greet the new Greek-Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, John X Yazigi.
The new Patriarch was elected on December 17 by his church's Holy Synod, meeting at the monastery of Our Lady of Balamand, north of Beirut. He succeeds Patriarch Ignatius IV Hazim, who died December 5 at the age of 92 years.
“We have a responsibility,” says the Pope, “to continue together along our path to show in a more visible way the spiritual reality of communion which, although still incomplete, already unites us.”
Benedict XVI expressed his hope that the relationship between Greek-Orthodox Patriarchate and the Catholic Church might continue to develop through forms of fruitful cooperation and ongoing efforts to resolve the issues that still divide the two communities.
He especially recommended active and constructive participation in the work of the Commission Joint International Yheological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Churches.
The Pope assured the new Patriarch of his prayers, and asked Christ "to bring healing to those who are victims of violence in the Middle East and to inspire acts of peace}.
[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 29/12/2012 15:16]