Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) - The numerous points for reflection offered by the Liturgy in the Season of Easter strengthen believers’ faith in the resurrection of Christ: this was the subject of the reflection Pope Benedict XVI made before leading the recitation of the midday Regina Cæli prayer with thousands of visitors gathered in St Peter’s Square on Sunday 30 April. On the 3rd Sunday of Easter for example St Luke tells how the disciples of Emmaus met the risen Christ. “These and similar reports - the Holy Father said - are a call to overcome incredulity and to believe in the resurrection of Christ because his disciples are called to be witnesses precisely to this extraordinary event. The resurrection of Christ is the central fact of Christianity, the fundamental truth to be reaffirmed at all times because to deny it in many ways and people have tried and continue to do or transform it into a purely spiritual event, would be to deny our very faith”.
The Holy Father then recalled that after the Lord’s resurrection the Apostles stayed together, comforted by the presence of Mary and after the Ascension they persevered with her in prayer waiting for Pentecost. “Our Lady was for them mother and teacher - the Pontiff explained -, a role she continues to play for Christians of ever epoch. Every year in the Season of Easter we relive this experience more intensely and perhaps this is why popular piety consecrated the month of May which usually falls between Easter and Pentecost to Mary. This month which we begin tomorrow, can help us rediscover the maternal role Mary has in our life that we may be always docile disciples and courageous witnesses of the Risen Lord”. Then Pope Benedict XVI entrusted to Mary the needs of the Church and the whole world, “especially at this time marked by no few shadows”, invoking also the intercession of St Joseph who turns our thoughts to the world of work.
After the Marian prayer and greetings in various languages, the Pope greeted the boys of the minor seminary St Pius X in the Vatican (St Peter’s altar boys). This year the seminary is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its foundation: “It is entrusted to the praiseworthy Work started by the generosity of Don Giovanni Folci to promote care and sanctification of the clergy and priestly and religious vocations. On this happy occasion I am united with your festivities dear friends, I thank you for the liturgical service you give every day in St Peter’s Basilica and I assure you of my prayers that the Lord may help you to always follow him faithfully and may He fill you with his joy.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 2/5/2006 - righe 30, parole 454)
