The Holy Father Benedict XVI celebrated this morning in the Basilica Holy Mass, to honor this traditional day Epifani ca-ordered during the Middle Ages (the period of pre-Christian beliefs) because it was thought to be the result of satanic influence.

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Began at 9:00 the blessing ceremony, the pope recalled the origin of the day through a biblical story, which highlighted the way in which the minority people conceived it positively despite the skepticism of the popular majority.  In fact, La Befana, the collective was a mythical character with the appearance of old who bring gifts to good children on the night between 5 and 6 January. In fact its origins are lost in the mists of time, comes from pre-Christian magical traditions and in popular culture blends with folk elements and Christians: the Befana brings gifts in memory of those offered by the Magi to the Christ Child.  Since then, as in our times children are the protagonists with chocolates and coal. Below the baldachin by Bernini, as did the old Pope John Paul II, Benedict XVI Pope Benedict current Eight children have come to bring small gifts of thanks. The Pope impressed and moved by this unexpected gesture countered with a warm hug.

Pursued turned the whole world.

Today we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord, his manifestation to the Gentiles, while many Eastern Churches, according to the Julian calendar, celebrate Christmas. This slight difference, which is superimposed the two moments, stresses that the child, born in the humility of the cave of Bethlehem, the light of the world, which directs the way of all the popoli.