On line on December 19th, 20th and 21st, an experiment from SIR Daily News in English. The service will officially start on January 9th 2006
The figure of Saint Joseph is the focus of the reflection of Benedict XVI. One week before Christmas, the Pope encouraged people to follow the example of the putative father of Jesus, the man of silence "imbued with contemplation", "offering himself completely to God’s will". Back from the pastoral visit to the Roman parish church of Santa Maria Consolatrice, at midday the Holy Father appeared at the window of his study in the Bishops Palace to say the Angelus with the congregation and the pilgrims gathered in Saint Peter’s Square for the usual Sunday rite. In particular, the Pope highlighted Saint Joseph’s silence. "Saint Joseph’s silence said Benedict XVI does not come from inner emptiness; it’s quite the opposite, it comes from the intensity of the faith he bears in his heart and which drives all his thoughts and all his actions". "A silence he added full of endless prayer, a prayer in blessing of the Lord, in worship of His holy will and of unconditional reliance on His Providence". "Let’s be affected by the silence of Saint Joseph! We need it so badly, in a world that is often exceedingly noisy, which does not encourage meditation and prevents us listening to the voice of God. In the run-up to Christmas, let’s cultivate inner meditation, to welcome and cherish Jesus in our lives".
