Even the Christmas Eve Mass was not spared the excitement of "an attack" yet thank God, Pope Benedict" took it in stride"

Since Vatican II began, the Church became closer to the laity, the Eucharistic celebrations were offered in the languages of the believers. "Aggiornamento" refers to the Church opening its doors to change, to be in keeping with the times.

One such manifestation is the Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. We join the Pope as he celebrates the Mass with our hearts filled with wonder how technology makes the World one in faith. It is therefore with shock when one woman, jumped over the barrier and knocked the Pope down. Up to now, I have goose pimples why it happened and felt so relieved upon hearing that Pope Benedict stood and resumed the mass. Imagine, even the Christmas Eve Mass was not spared the excitement of an attack and Pope Benedict took it in stride.

Malaybalayan, through Blogs at Fifty, is still asking herself why the woman did what she did. Okay, she was found mentally imbalanced so we could accept the possibility. We are clearly reminded how faint our life is and that no one is spared. The Basilica of St. Peter, inside the cathedral, with thousands of people, guards everywhere, cameras in place - yet no one knew what was in the heart and mind of one woman. For her, to be able to come near the Pope tells us are that we are still in the world.

Thank you God nothing happened to Pope Benedict. Viva il Papa!!

Teacher's teacher writes for Malaybalayan the visit of Papal Nuncio to the Philippines

November 16 came, the Papal Nuncio, Most Reverend Edward Joseph Adams,D.D., Titular Archbishop of Scala arrived in Malaybalay City, the birthplace of Malaybalayan. The Nuncio's presence is somehow in spirit the visit of the Holy Pope, Benedict XVI.

At a time when people have become "secularized", a visit such as this, is timely and most welcome. Malaybalayan is reminded of how she felt when in Quezon Memorial Circle way back in the '70s, she came face to face with a Pope,  she felt so honored yet so unworthy. On that day, all those who attended the momentous event, received the Apostolic Blessing.

November 18 came, the Nuncio left Bukidnon but the message he left behind especially the one that came from the Pope, His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI is forever etched in the hearts of the Malaybalayans and Bukidnons. Vival il Papa!!!

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