Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – After the Mass celebrated in the square in front of the Shrine of Our Lady of Bonaria, on Sunday, September 7, the Holy Father Benedict XVI led the recitation of the Angelus. Before praying, the Pope thanked the authorities present and encouraged all present to once more fix their gaze on the “sweet Queen of the Sardinians,” who is venerated on the hills of Bonaria, and recalled the many prestigious persons who have to this place as pilgrims, over the course of the centuries. The Popes have also come to pay homage. “Following in the footsteps of the Popes who have gone before me,” Benedict XVI said, “I have also chosen the Shrine of Bonaria as the site for my pastoral visit that also wishes to embrace all of Sardinia.”
Recalling the renewal of Cagliari’s and Sardinia’s consecration, and that of all their inhabitants, to the Virgin Mary, the Pope said: “May the Most Holy Virgin continue to watch over each and every one of you, so that the inheritance of the Gospel may be transmitted in tact to future generations and so that Christ may reign in families, communities, and in all areas of society. May the Virgin Mary protect those who right now are most in need of her maternal intercession: children and young people, the elderly and families, the sick and all those who suffer.”
On the liturgical feast of the Birth of Mary, “an event that concerns all of us, because every gift that God granted to Her, the Mother, was granted with us, Her children, in mind as well,” the Holy Father asked that she “may protect all earthly mothers: those who, together with their husbands, raise their children in a harmonious family context, and those who, for so many reasons, find themselves facing this difficult task alone. May all of them carry out their daily service in the family, the Church, and society with dedication and fidelity. May the Virgin Mary be support, comfort, and hope for all.”
Lastly, the Pope launched an appeal for Haiti, which has been hit by three hurricanes: “Under Mary’s gaze, I wish to recall the dear people of Haiti, harshly tried in recent days by the passage of three hurricanes. I pray for the victims, who unfortunately have been numerous, and for those left homeless. I am close to the whole country, and I hope that it may receive the necessary aid as soon as possible. I entrust all to the maternal protection of Our Lady of Bonaria.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 8/9/2008)
