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Reach out to God, says Archbishop of Westminster | |
(about 3 hours later) | |
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 referred to Joseph's nativity-scene struggle to believe Mary's child is the son of God. | |
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 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 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. |
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