In keeping with tradition, Pope Francis lit the world’s largest Christmas tree on Sunday and urged the faithful to “clean up” their souls by going to confession this Advent.
Vatican Radio is reporting that the pope lit the tree, which is located on the side of Mt. Ingino in the town of Gubbio in central Italy with a tap on a computer screen. In the same instant, nearly 1,000 multi-colored lights, connected by five miles of electrical cable, illuminated, giving off enough light to be seen for 30 miles.
Just before lighting the 2,460 foot high tree, he greeted the people of Gubbio via video link: “Buona sera! I wish you a holy and happy Christmas,” he began.
“When we turn on the lights of the creche, we want the light of Christ to be in us. A Christmas without light isn’t Christmas. So let there be light in our souls, in our hearts; let there be our forgiveness for others; and let there not be hatred, for this is darkness. Let there be the light of Jesus, which is so beautiful. This is my wish for all of you. Many thanks for your gift – it’s beautiful. And I give you my warmest tidings of peace and happiness.
“If you have something dark on your soul, ask the Lord’s forgiveness. This is a beautiful chance Christmas gives us – to clean up our souls, eh! Don’t be afraid – the priest is merciful, he forgives everything in the name of God, because God forgives everything. May the light be in your hearts, in your families, in your cities. And now, with this wish, let’s turn on the lights.
“May almighty God bless you, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Merry Christmas and pray for me!”
The enormous tree was built in 1981 by the people of Gubbio. Ten years later, it was named the “World’s Largest Christmas Tree” by the Guiness Book of World Records. It will remain lit from December 7 through January 6.
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