2023-08-17 14:59:03
Pope Francis blessed the pilgrims who came to Lourdes, asking the pastors to encourage people in Marian devotion and veneration, and exhorting all to seek the intercession of the Holy Mother for peace in the world today.
Monsignor Joji Vadakara, Vatican City
On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the National Pilgrimage to Lourdes, Pope Francis sent a message to the 20,000 Marian devotees who came from France and other parts of the world to Lourdes, France, to attend the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother on August 15. The Pope recalled that Pope Pius XI chose the Ascended Mother as the main intercessor of France.
The Pope asked that the shepherds who carry out the pastoral mission should take care to encourage the Marian devotion in the people, especially the rituals related to the people’s faith. On August 15, in France, the Pope highlighted as an example the pilgrimages that have been taking place for the past four hundred years.
Reminding us that the Holy Mary is our mother and we are her children, the Pope exhorted us that in the face of the challenges we face today, we need the protection of the Holy Mother. The Pope said this by emphasizing that France is specially dedicated to the protection of the Holy Mother. The Pope said that this dedication is not something that can be taken away.
The Pope reminded us that the Mother intercedes for us before His Holiness in order to bring about the peace that the world needs today. May the Holy Mother put thoughts of true love in the hearts of all to foster a society that grows in brotherhood and unity, respecting the dignity and rights of others, the Pope said.
The Pope wished that the contemplation of the Holy Mother, who is in the glory of God with soul and body, may strengthen us to grow even more in the faith in the eternal life promised to us, and may it help our decision to live as missionary disciples of Christ before our brothers and sisters.
The Pope exhorted that our faith should be established and cultivated on the true rock of Christ. The Pope ended his message by wishing everyone his blessings. The message sent on 7th August was published on 16th August.
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