Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lomas de Zamora (Agenzia Fides) – The prisoners of the Provincial Unit No. 40 of Lomas de Zamora have transcribed the work “With Mary, We Pray to Jesus,” into Braille for the blind, as an initiative of the Prison Pastoral Care of Lomas de Zamora. The work, which includes the twenty mysteries of the Rosary and the hymn “Akathistos” will be presented today, March 25th, the Feast of the Annunciation, at the Monastery of Adorers of the Blessed Sacrament, of the group “Don Orione,” home to sisters who are blind.
The gesture of the prison inmates coincides with the fifth week of Lent, which dedicates this Saturday to the “Akathistos” hymn, which is "a hymn of thanksgiving, reminding us of the miraculous intervention of the Immaculate Mother of God and praying for Church unity," Deacon Roberto Bassetto told a local Catholic agency. The “Akathistos” hymn is a prayer that is recited standing up (hence its name). Although it is very little known in the West, it is well-known in the East and dates back to the 5th century. "It tells practically the whole history of salvation and the Incarnation of the Word through its verses inspired and written in rhyme, as litanies," said Deacon Bassetto. Pope John Paul II has brought it back to the attention of the faithful and whoever recites it is granted the same indulgences granted for the Holy Rosary. Deacon Bassetto said that "when we honor the Mother of the Church, with the Rosary and with the Akathistos, we pray with both of our 'two lungs' for the unity of the Church." (CE) (Agenzia Fides 25/03/2010)
