VATICAN - The Magnificat "is the song that denounces the illusion of those who think themselves masters of the history and arbiters of their fate," recalls Pope

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - "We all have something to learn from our heavenly Mother: her faith invites us to look beyond appearances and to believe firmly that the daily difficulties prepare a spring that has already started in the Risen Christ." This is what the Holy Father Benedict XVI recalled at the end of the procession which was held on the evening of May 31, at the end of the Marian month, in the Vatican gardens. Citing the liturgical feast of the Visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth, which occurs on May 31, the Pope recalled that "this event is characterized by the joy expressed by the words with which the Blessed Virgin Mary glorifies the Almighty for the great things that He has done looking at the humility of his servant ... The Magnificat is the hymn of praise that rises from humanity redeemed by divine mercy, it rises from all the people of God; at the same time it is the anthem denouncing the illusion of those who believe lords of history and arbiters of their destiny. In contrast, Maria put God at the center of her life, she abandoned herself to his will, in an attitude of humble obedience to his plan of love." Finally, the Pope urged to "let ourselves be infected" by the joy of Mary, "who finds the deepest source in the Lord", as "The joy, fruit of the Holy Spirit, is the Christian's fundamental distinctive: it is based on hope in God, draws strength from incessant prayer, it allows dealing with tribulations with serenity." (SL) (Agenzia Fides 01/06/2012)