VATICAN - The Star Singers of seven European countries at the Pope's Mass on the first day of the year

Thursday, 2 January 2020 pontifical mission societies   missionary animation   children   pope francis  

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - On 1 January, the solemnity of Mary Most Holy Mother of God, as has been the case for 16 years now, a delegation of the "Star Singers" of the Pontifical Society of Missionary Childhood attended the Mass celebrated by Pope Francis in the Vatican Basilica, for the World Day of Peace. As the National Direction of the Pontifical Mission Societies of Switzerland informs, a delegation of the Star Singers of Horgen in the canton of Zurich took part in the Mass, together with representatives from Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary and Italy.
The "Star Singers" of Horgen had arrived in Rome with their companions on the evening of December 30th. They met the Swiss Cardinal Kurt Koch, President of the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity, who welcomed them with joy and, after listening to their Christmas carols, blessed them for their trip to Rome. Then they went to visit the Papal Swiss Guard. The meeting was attended by Sister Roberta Tremarelli, Secretary General of the Pontifical Society of Missionary Childhood.
The activity of the "Star Singers" (Sternsinger) originated in Germany and has spread to several European countries, becoming a tradition of the Christmas period. Groups of children of Missionary Childhood, dressed in their costumes of Magi, with their Star and their songs go around visiting homes. They carry the "C+M+ B" blessing ("Christus mansionem benedicat - Christ bless this house") to the families, collecting donations for other children their age who suffer throughout the world. (SL) (Agenzia Fides, 2/1/2020)


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