Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Aachen (Agenzia Fides) – A delegation of 22 children from the Archdiocese of Cologne, who are part of the "Singers of the Star" of the German Holy Childhood Association, attended New Year's Mass with the Holy Father Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Basilica on January 1, 2010. This is what Fides learned from the German national office for the Pontifical Mission Societies. During the offertory three children of the delegation, with the traditional costumes of the Magi, brought gifts to the altar. The delegation from the parishes of St. Stephen and St. Pancras in the Archdiocese of Cologne are accompanied during their stay in Rome by the National Director of the Holy Childhood Association in Germany, Monsignor Winfrid Pilz.
This is the sixth time since 2001 that a delegation of German children take part in the New Year's Mass with the Pope. The children take advantage of this opportunity to tell the Holy Father of their collection for other children in need around the world. During their stay, the HCA children will also participate in a General Audience with the Pope.
Wearing the clothes of the Magi, and bringing their star and their songs during the Christmas season and the beginning of the New Year, the "Star Singers” knock on the doors of German homes. Approximately half a million children in Catholic parishes in Germany these days will bring the blessing "C + M + B" ("Christus Mansionem Benedicat - Christ bless this house") to people's homes, collecting donations for their peers who are suffering around the world. The collection of "Star Singers" of Germany, which has become the largest initiative of solidarity throughout the world, sees children working for their peers in need. (MS) (Agenzia Fides 04/01/2010)
