Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Castel Gandolofo (Agenzia Fides) - On Sunday 12 September, before reciting the Angelus prayer with visitors gathered in the courtyard of his Summer Residence in Castel Gandolfo outside Rome, Pope John Paul II recalled that 12 September is the feast of the Name of Mary (eight days after the date on which the Church celebrates the birth of the Blessed Virgin). “Inseparably linked with that of Jesus, this name is the sweetest of all for Christians because it is the name of our common Mother” the Pope said and he entrusted the world to the care of Our Lady: “May Mary watch over humanity suffering today from distressing explosions of violence. May she watch over the young generations especially who desire to build a future of hope for all.”
Thinking back to last Sunday and the festive meeting with Catholic Action in Loreto, which had its culmination with the beatification of three members of that Association, the Pope said: “I would like to recall here the three tasks I entrusted to Catholic Action in Loreto: "contemplation" to walk the path of holiness; "communion" to promote a spirituality of unity; "mission" to spread the Gospel everywhere.”
Calling on Our Lady to “help Catholic Action continue with enthusiasm its commitment of apostolic witness, operating always in close connection with the Hierarchy, and taking a responsible part in parish and diocesan pastoral activity”, the Pope concluded with this encouragement: “The Church relies on the active presence of Catholic Action and its faithful dedication to the cause of the Kingdom of Christ. I too look with confidence to Catholic Action and I encourage its members to be generous witnesses of the Good News, to restore hope to society today in search of peace.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 13/9/2004 - Righe 19; Parole 252)
