The Vatican's Epiphany Mass began with this entrance procession accompanied by the hymn Adeste Fideles.
Groups from around the world dressed in traditional attire were also present for the Mass.
At the beginning of the celebration, Pope Francis invited Christians to follow the example of the Magi who went to adore the baby Jesus.
POPE FRANCIS
Bethlehem's light has transcended the boundaries of space and time and now, it illuminates the whole world. Like the holy Magi, we allow ourselves to be enveloped by the light of Christ and joyfully go forth to meet Him. God's blessing to all the peoples of the earth.
In his homily, Pope Francis said that the experience of the Magi reveals that one of the places God likes to be found is in 'the restlessness of questions.'
POPE FRANCIS
The fascinating adventure of these Wise Men of the East teaches us that faith does not come from our own merits or theoretical reasoning, but it is a gift from God.
The Pope also said that the child Jesus can help us ask the right questions in order to find God. He invited those present to learn not to live in a consumerist and superficial way this Christmas. Pope Francis gave the example of the Magi, who abandoned their palaces for something much more valuable.
POPE FRANCIS
We often try to place our hearts in the vault of comfort,
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but if the Magi had done so they would never have met the Lord.
Pope Francis reflected on what Pope emeritus Benedict XVI had said about the significance of the Magi's journey. He said that each of us can also do it without ever leaving home.
POPE FRANCIS
'Their outward pilgrimage,' Benedict XVI said, 'was an expression of their being inwardly on a journey, of the inner pilgrimage of their hearts.'
At the Offertory, these three groups dressed in traditional attire brought the Pope the Eucharistic gifts.
At the end of the Mass, Pope Francis stopped to kiss the Baby Jesus.
RM
TR: KG
