Monsignor Domenico Battaglia, Cardinal and Archbishop of Napoli, he sent his heartfelt wishes for Christmas that invites us to reflect on what is truly essential in our lives. In an evocative video, his voice guides the viewer through images of Naples and its citizens, expressing the desire for liberation from daily pressures.
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A Christmas of Simplicity
“I wish you a Christmas 'without', because it is the only Christmas in which we can discover ourselves free”, said the Cardinal Battaglia. His message focuses on the need to abandon any idea of appearance and ostentation, proposing a return to a simplicity symbolized by “lilies of the field” and “a newborn baby in a manger”. The cardinal invites us to think of a Christmas that favors reduction: “less image, less abundance, less decorations”.
Vulnerability as a strength
Monsignor Battaglia explored the beauty of a Christmas that welcomes vulnerability and fragility, advocating an approach that sees solitude not as a lack, but as a space for personal growth. “I wish you a Christmas 'without', a Christmas in which we do not camouflage our solitude in the intoxication of a crowd” were his words.
The Gift of Hope
The greeting ends with a reflection on hope: “A Christmas 'without' is the Christmas that starts from nothing with only one gift, but the greatest of all: hope”. Monsignor Battaglia urges everyone to recognize the value of their own humanity, reiterating that life always overcomes one's mistakes, in line with the divine choice for simplicity and essentiality.
Article published on 25 December 2024 - 08:16
I don't know if I agree with what the cardinal says. Christmas is also a time of celebration and joy, but perhaps it is right to reflect on what is truly important. Simplicity can be beautiful, but we must not forget the warmth of tradition.