This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-12075744

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
'Reach out to God' - Archbishop of Westminster says Reach out to God, says Archbishop of Westminster
(about 3 hours later)
The Archbishop of Westminster is to urge people struggling with faith to "reach out" to the extended hand of God in his Christmas Eve speech. The Archbishop of Westminster has urged people struggling with faith to "reach out" to the extended hand of God in his Christmas Eve speech.
The Most Rev Vincent Nichols will refer to Joseph's nativity-scene struggle to believe Mary's child is the son of God. The Most Rev Vincent Nichols referred to Joseph's nativity-scene struggle to believe Mary's child is the son of God.
He will also reflect on Pope Benedict's visit to Britain, saying it restored the confidence of Catholics. He also reflected on Pope Benedict's visit to Britain, saying it restored the confidence of Catholics.
His address comes after Pope Benedict spoke on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme's Thought for the Day slot.His address comes after Pope Benedict spoke on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme's Thought for the Day slot.
At Westminster Cathedral's midnight mass, the most senior Roman Catholic in England and Wales will say: "This holy night is as important as ever. On this night there will be many sharing Joseph's struggle for faith. At Westminster Cathedral's midnight mass, the most senior Roman Catholic in England and Wales said: "This holy night is as important as ever. On this night there will be many sharing Joseph's struggle for faith.
"May they, too, reach out and accept the outstretched hand of God coming to us in the child so as to be close to us in our vulnerability.""May they, too, reach out and accept the outstretched hand of God coming to us in the child so as to be close to us in our vulnerability."
'Gift to be discovered''Gift to be discovered'
Referring to the Pope's visit he will say: "The marvellous scenes during the apostolic visit of Pope Benedict in September suggested that faith in God is like an underground stream. Referring to the Pope's visit he said: "The marvellous scenes during the apostolic visit of Pope Benedict in September suggested that faith in God is like an underground stream.
"Largely invisible, the stream nurtures so much fertile growth on a rocky landscape, and only every now and then, burst out in a glorious and reassuring sight."Largely invisible, the stream nurtures so much fertile growth on a rocky landscape, and only every now and then, burst out in a glorious and reassuring sight.
"The visit strengthened our faith and restored so much of our confidence."The visit strengthened our faith and restored so much of our confidence.
"Indeed, faith in God is not a problem to be solved but a gift to be discovered afresh, and a gift which serves the deepest good of our society.""Indeed, faith in God is not a problem to be solved but a gift to be discovered afresh, and a gift which serves the deepest good of our society."
Pope Benedict's Christmas message was broadcast on Radio 4 on 24 December.Pope Benedict's Christmas message was broadcast on Radio 4 on 24 December.
He said he prayed for the sick and elderly and "those who are going through any form of hardship".He said he prayed for the sick and elderly and "those who are going through any form of hardship".
In his message, he recalled his recent UK visit with "great fondness" and said he was glad to greet listeners again.In his message, he recalled his recent UK visit with "great fondness" and said he was glad to greet listeners again.