Vatican City, Dec 2, 2005 / 12:00 am (CNA).- Earlier today, Pope Benedict attended the first in a series of four Advent reflections given by well-known author and preacher to the papal household--Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa O.F.M Cap.

Held in the Vatican’s Redemptoris Mater chapel, today’s sermon began the series on the theme: “We preach Jesus Christ as Lord--Faith in Christ today.” The theme is partially taken from St. Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians.

Fr. Cantalamessa, who was appointed preacher to the papal household by the late John Paul II in 1980, traditionally delivers weekly reflections to the Pope, Cardinals, and Bishops of the Roman curia during Lent and Advent each year.

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