MARY, OUR MOTHER

The Holy Father in Santa Maria di Leuca

For his tenth apostolic journey in Italy, Benedict XVI chose a significant location: Santa Maria de Leuca, a Marian Shrine "at the end of the world."

For his tenth apostolic journey in Italy, Benedict XVI chose a significant location: Santa Maria de Leuca, a Marian Shrine "at the end of the world." The shrine has been destroyed and rebuilt five times, and now overlooks an intensely blue sea. Its location is rich in history and faith, being where St. Peter landed in Italy. Facing the East, the shrine calls attention to the need to bridge the gap between the East and West. The Pope focused on its name in his homily, comparing its geographic location "at the end of the world," which is what the place was called in ancient times, with Jesus' instructions to His disciples to preach the Gospel to the "farthest corners of the world." This is why the Church must overcome all barriers to spread the message of Salvation. According to the Holy Father, the Church exists to be a benediction for all the people of the world. Mary, Stella Maris, is a star of hope for all of us, watching over the Church throughout its life and history. She helps us to stay on course towards Christ, especially during difficult and tempestuous times, times that we must live through, just as Peter did.

View short video here:
http://www.h2onews.org/_page_videoview.php?id_news=791#