Christ is born again in open, loving hearts, preacher tells pope

Published: 2003-12-19

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Christmas is simply a commemoration of a historic event unless those who celebrate the feast are open to Christ being born again in their hearts, said the preacher of the papal household. "A loving heart is the only manger Christ wants to come to at Christmas," Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa told Pope John Paul II and his top aides. In an Advent reflection Dec. 19, the preacher encouraged the Vatican officials to have an "expectant faith" at Christmas. "It is enough to believe," he said, "and, at the moment of receiving the body and blood of Christ at midnight Mass, say with simplicity: 'Jesus, I welcome you as Mary, your mother, did; I love you with the love with which the heavenly Father loved you, that is, with the Holy Spirit."

Copyright (c) 2003 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .