“Despite the consumerism that characterizes the Christmas season, the popular traditions
of the faith have not disappeared but create islands for the soul, spaces for silence,
reflection, God”, said Benedict XVI, Friday afternoon.
The Pope was treated
to a Christmas Special offered by Bavarian Television entitled "Advent and Christmas
in the Bavarian Alps - from heaven to earth." As he entered the hall where the film
was to be projected, the Holy Father was greeted by a group of traditional Bavarian
musicians who played some familiar native songs for the Pope, under the direction
of composer Hans Berger.
Pope Benedict then viewed the TV special which focused
on the human and spiritual atmosphere of the season of Advent in Bavaria, the homeland
of the Holy Father, and how Christmas the region's towns, churches , parishes and
families traditionally prepare for Christmas.