Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) – On December 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, braving the piercing cold in Rome Pope John Paul II went to Piazza to place his traditional floral tribute (the 26th time) at the feet of the statue of Immaculate Mary. During a brief Liturgy of the Word the Pope invoked Mary Queen of Peace and entrusting the destiny of the world and humanity To her hands.
“I am here to start the journey towards the 150th anniversary of the dogma which today we celebrate with filial joy” the Pope said, referring to the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception declared by Pius IX in 1854. “With ever greater anxiety we look to you, we turn to you with ever greater confidence at these times marked by no few uncertainties and fears for the present and future destiny of our planet” the Holy Father continued, begging Our Lady to listen, “to the cries of the victims of war and many forms of violence which bloody the Earth. Dispel the shadows of sadness and solitude, hatred and revenge. Open all hearts and minds to trust and forgiveness!”
The Pope ended his prayer with a fervent invocation to Mary to obtain for humanity the gift of peace: “Mother of mercy and hope, obtain for the men and women of the third millennium the precious gift of peace: peace in hearts and families, in communities and among peoples; peace above all for those nations where every day people continue fight and to die. Help all human beings of all races and cultures to encounter Jesus who came on earth in the mystery of Christmas to offer us “his” peace.”(S.L.) (Fides Service 9/12/2003 – lines 22; words 308)
