Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “The mystery of Mary's Immaculate Conception, which today we solemnly honor, reminds us of two fundamental truths of our faith: firstly, original sin, and then, the victory of the grace of Christ over it, this victory that shines in a sublime manner in Mary Most Holy.” With these words, the Holy Father Benedict XVI reflected on the meaning of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception with faithful gathered in Saint Peter's Square for the Angelus on December 8.
The Pope reflected on the “overwhelming evidence” of what the Church calls “original sin,” which we can all see, “if we only look around ourselves, and above all within ourselves.” He then explained the origin of this evil. God, in His absolute Goodness, made everything, creating man in his own image, however he did not create death, which “entered the world through the envy of the devil, who, rebelling against God, also drew men into deceit, inducing them to rebel. This is the drama of freedom, which God accepts completely for the sake of love, while promising that there will be a son of woman who will crush the head of the ancient serpent.”
Then, “the Woman predestined to become the mother of the Redeemer, the mother of Him who humbled himself to the utmost, in order to restore in us our original dignity,” is the “new Eve, spouse of the new Adam, destined to be mother of all the redeemed.” “In Mary Immaculate, we contemplate the reflection of the Beauty that saves the world: the beauty of God that shines on the face of Christ. In Mary, this beauty is absolutely pure, humble, free from any pride or presumption. This is how the Virgin Mary revealed herself to Saint Bernadette, 150 years ago, in Lourdes, and this is how she is honored in many shrines.” Before reciting the Angelus, the Holy Father mentioned his afternoon event of going to pay homage to the Immaculate Mother at the monument dedicated to her in Piazza di Spagna (Rome). (SL) (Agenzia Fides 9/12/2008)
