After praying the Angelus today, Thursday, January 6, 2022, the Pope greeted the faithful and pilgrims gathered in Saint Peter’s Square and recalled that “Epiphany is in a special way the feast of missionary childhood.”
Here are the Holy Fathers’ words after the Angelus, reported by the Holy See Press Office.
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The Holy Father’s Words
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Today our thought goes to brothers and sisters of the Oriental Churches, both Catholics and Orthodox, that celebrate the Lord’s birth tomorrow. To them, I address affectionately my best wishes for peace and all good. May Christ, born of the Virgin Mary, illumine their families and their communities! Brothers and sisters, congratulations!
Epiphany is in a special way the feast of missionary childhood, namely, of those children and youngsters — they are many in many places of the world –, who commit themselves to pray and offer their prayers for all those that don’t know the Gospel. I want to say to them, thank you, boys and girls, thank you! And I remind them that the mission begins with Christian witness in everyday life.
In this connection, I encourage the evangelization initiatives that stem from the tradition of Epiphany and that, in the present situation, use various means of communication. I remember particularly the Procession of the Wise Men,” which takes place in Poland.
And today I greet all of you, Romans and pilgrims from Italy and from different countries. I greet the Confirmation candidates of Romano di Lombardia, with their parents and catechists. And I wish all a happy feast. Please, don’t forget to pray for me. Enjoy your lunch and see you soon.
Translation by Virginia M. Forrester
