Epiphany at the Vatican: Gold, Fiddle-Backs, No Myrrh

Buona domenica a tutti -- an early letter from Rome reports thus:

"The Master of Papal Liturgical Ceremonies -- Msgr Guido Marini -- has announced that Pope Benedict XVI will use a "fiddle back" chasuble for the Mass of Epiphany on 6 January.

"In an article in today's "L'Avvenire" [the daily paper of the Italian bishops], Msgr Marini also said the Pope would not wear a cope for the Urbi et Orbi blessing on Christmas Day. He said the Pope would instead wear the mozzetta and stole. Undoubtedly, this will be the ermine-trimmed winter mozzetta...."

...and they're off.

PHOTO: AFP/Getty

-30-