MARY, OUR MOTHER

VATICAN - "The Holy Rosary is not a pious practice consigned to the past, as if it were an outdated prayer to be recalled with nostalgia. On the contrary, the Rosary is experiencing a new springtime," the Pope affirmed at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - "The Holy Rosary is not a pious practice consigned to the past, as if it were an outdated prayer to be recalled with nostalgia. On the contrary, the Rosary is experiencing a new springtime. This is certainly one of the most eloquent signs of the love that the younger generations have for Jesus and His Mother Mary." These were the words of the Holy Father Benedict XVI after reciting the Holy Rosary, as he addressed the faithful gathered in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in the afternoon, on May 3, First Saturday of the month.

In his address, the Pope recalled that for the people of his generation, "May evenings bring to mind the dear memories of late afternoon gatherings in honor of Our Lady," however today, as well, we are witnessing almost a "new springtime" for the Rosary. "In today's world, which is so dispersive, this prayer helps us to place Christ at the center," the Pope said, "like the Virgin Mary, who meditated in Her heart all that was said of Her Son, as well as all that He said and did. When we pray the Rosary, we relive the important and significant moments in salvation history; we retrace the various events in Christ's mission. With Mary, our hearts are led to the mystery of Jesus. Christ becomes the center of our life, of our time, and of our cities, through the contemplation and the meditation of His holy mysteries of joy, light, sorrow, and glory."

Concluding his address, Pope Benedict XVI encouraged all to remain spiritually united to the Virgin Mary in constant prayer throughout the entire month and especially "in these days of preparation for the Solemnity of Pentecost...praying that the Church may receive a renewed infusion of the Holy Spirit." He also asked for prayers for the most urgent intentions of His ministry, the needs of the Church, and the great problems of humanity: "peace in the world, the unity of all Christians, dialogue among all cultures." Lastly, in directing his thought especially to Rome and Italy, he asked for prayers for the successful accomplishment of the pastoral goals of the Diocese and for a stable development for the country. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 5/5/2008; righe 27, parole 370)

Links:
Complete text of the Holy Father's discourse, in Italian
http://www.evangelizatio.org/portale/adgentes/pontefici/pontefice.php?id=1099