Against Arbitrary Liturgy
The papal tinkering of the liturgy, begun by Pope Pius X, has had unfortunate consequences not foreseen by any 20th century pope.
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The papal tinkering of the liturgy, begun by Pope Pius X, has had unfortunate consequences not foreseen by any 20th century pope.
Around 6,500 people attended the customary end-of-year celebration, and several more awaited Pope Francis outside the Basilica.
"Mary, alone with Joseph, knows where this child comes from. Yet here he is, breathing, crying, needing to eat, to be covered, to be protected."
Celebrations will be broadcast online, on TV and radio
To mark the beginning of Advent, the custos of the Holy Land and the Franciscan friars made their annual procession into the city of Bethlehem.