ROME (12-10-2021) – The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square and the blessing of the Nativity scene was held on December 10 during an evening ceremony in the Vatican’s audience hall. Sister Raffaella Petrini, FSE, Secretary General of the Governorate of the Vatican City State, gave the closing remarks, acknowledging the masterful artistic work of the Peruvian artists who created the Nativity scene, and those who made it possible to erect the 91′ spruce tree from Andalo, Italy, for this year’s Vatican Christmas tree.
The ceremony included colorful videos of children from the Huancavelica Region of Peru reenacting the nativity of Jesus in lively song and dance, and sending greetings to Pope Francis. A video from Andalo depicted the mountainous terrain of the region and breathtaking views of the town and surrounding areas.
Sister Raffaella was appointed by Pope Francis on November 4 as Secretary General of the Governorate of the Vatican City State. It is a Vatican tradition that the officials of Vatican City State preside over the annual tree lighting ceremony.
SRP speech at lighting of treeClick on photos to enlarge.
