From 10 in the morning, the different European delegates, headed by distinguished cardinals, greeted the people gathered around the altar -- altogether almost a million.
"Europe's future relies on the family."
At noon, Pope Benedict XVI spoke directly from Rome through the screens that had been set up, greeting the faithful and expressing words of encouragement."
"I welcome all the pastors and faithful gathered in Madrid to celebrate with joy the Holy Family of Nazareth […] One of the greatest services that we as Christians can offer our fellow men and women is to show them the serene and solid witness of a family founded upon marriage between a man and a woman, defending it and protecting it, because it is of supreme importance for the present and future of humankind."
The Pope's greeting was followed by the Holy Mass, presided over by the Archbishop of Madrid, Cardinal Antonio María Rouco Varela, joined by 46 Spanish Prelates and 14 others from around Europe.
"Europe's future -- her moral, spiritual and even her biological future – relies on the family lived in its primordial and full truth. Europe's future relies on you, dear Christian families!"
The day finished with a nice surprise: a parade with the three Wise Men -- who came in riding their dromedary -- made its way through the square. After going to adore the life-size baby Jesus laid by the altar, the Wise Men gave out gifts to children from the most troubled neighborhoods in Madrid.
With their joy and generosity, these Christian families transmitted their testimony that "Europe's future relies on the family".
View video here: http://www.h2onews.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22444441&catid=47&Itemid=14
