Pope Benedict XVI’s Angelus Message on the Feast of the Epiphany

(January 06, 2011) Pope Benedict XVI said that the Epiphany announces the opening of the Universal Church, his call to evangelize all nations. But the Epiphany also tells us how the Church realizes this mission by reflecting the light of Christ and proclaiming His Word. The Pope was speaking at the noon Angelus time on the feast of the Epiphany to a large holiday crowd at St Peter’s Square Vatican, on Thursday, 6^th of January. The Pope said that the manifestation of Jesus to all nations, represented by the Magi who came to Bethlehem from the East to pay homage to the King of the Jews, whose birth they had known by the appearance of a new star in the sky. When they found Jesus they bowed in adoration and offered their special gifts said the Holy Father. This feast said Pope Benedict invites us to know Jesus, his Gospel, because every man can discover his human face on the face of God, and be enlightened by the mystery of his love. At the end of the Angelus, Pope Benedict XVI extended his good wishes to the Eastern Churches that celebrate Holy Christmas on Friday, 7^th of January. The Pontiff prayed that the goodness of God appeared in Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word, may strengthen their faith, hope and charity, and give comfort to them. The Pope also reminded that the Epiphany is the Children's Mission Day, proposed by the Pontifical Society of Holy Childhood. Many children and teens, organized in parishes and schools, form a spiritual network of solidarity and to help the young people in difficulty. He called on them to collaborate in the mission of the church through their prayers and their commitment. Pope Benedict XVI then greeted all the English-speaking visitors gathered for the Angelus prayer and gave his Apostolic blessing making a special mention of the children present.