MARY, OUR MOTHER

Pope Paul VI

Pope John Paul II

TONIGHT'S REFLECTION

Message 57 from Our Lady to Fr. Gobbi is titled: 'Pray for the Holy Father.'

Now we all know that we are obligated to pray for the Pope, whoever he is. But do you remember to do this? Mother Mary reminds us of this obligation. Now when this Message was given to Fr. Gobbi, at that time it was Paul VI who was reigning and suffering, because of certain events that happened in the Church that had him say: "The smoke of Satan has entered the sanctuary."

I prayed for him when he was Pope and even had the pleasure of standing next to him on the steps of St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. He also celebrated Mass in Yankee Stadium in the Bronx and I was there and even got a Holy Card for attending, which I still have. Now I pray for his Canonization each day. Thanks to him, I am a Deacon, by the grace of God!

When Pope John Paul II was elected we all rejoiced, hoping that many of the errors being spread through the Church would be stopped, and many were! Again, I prayed for him and when he came to New York and celebrated Mass at Aquaduct Racetrack in Queens. New York, I was unbelievably happy that I was picked to be one of the deacons assisting the Holy Father by holding a Ciborium filled with hosts as he consecrated the Eucharist. I also distributed Holy Communion to some of the many thousands of people who were there that day. Great memories! Today, I continue to pray for his Canonization each day too!

And finally, the present Holy Father, Benedict XVI, who especially needs our prayers as he tries to guide the Church through these difficult times of apostasy and world disorder. Our Lady said that there were "grave and painful moments" approaching for the Pope. She wants us to give him all the support, comfort and filial affection we can. So I ask again: Do you remember to pray for the Holy Father? It's what Our Blessed Lady wants!
Roman Deacon