Christians are called to draw others to faith, pope says

Published: 2006-01-06

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- With their witness of love, a reflection of the light of Christ, Christians are called to draw others to faith, Pope Benedict XVI said. The light of the star of Bethlehem, which led the Magi to the baby Jesus in the manger, is the light of God, who is love, the pope said Jan. 6 as he celebrated the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord with a Mass in St. Peter's Basilica. "The light that dawned at Christmas and today is manifest to the peoples, is the love of God revealed in the person of the Incarnate Word," the pope said. In celebrating Christ revealed to the world as the one who reconciles everyone to God, the papal celebration of the Epiphany is also the occasion for the formal announcement of the date Easter will be celebrated, the pope said. Sung in Latin by a deacon, the announcement proclaimed: "As we have rejoiced at the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ, so we announce with joy the resurrection of our savior ... on April 16 we will celebrate with joy the holy Easter of Our Lord Jesus Christ."

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