Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican media
by Fabio Beretta
Vatican City (Fides News Agency) - The goal of every Christian is Heaven. And Mary "precedes" us on this "journey". Pope Francis said it this morning overlooking a sweltering St. Peter's Square for the traditional Angelus prayer in the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
Today's Gospel tells of the young girl of Nazareth who, "as soon as she had received the Angel's annunciation, set off to visit her cousin". "This expression in the Gospel is beautiful: 'she set off on a journey'. It means - the Pontiff explains - that Mary does not consider the news she has received from the Angel to be a privilege, rather, on the contrary, leaves home and sets off, with the haste of those who wish to announce such joy to others, and moved to put herself at her cousin's service".
This initial journey, in reality, Francis emphasizes, "is a metaphor for her entire life, because from that moment on Mary will always be on the move: she will always be journeying to follow Jesus, as a disciple of the Kingdom. And, in the end, her earthly pilgrimage ends with the Assumption into Heaven where, along with Her Son, she is forever blessed with the joys of eternal life."
We must not imagine Mary "as a motionless wax statue, but - he continues - in Her we can see a sister in worn sandals, exhausted due to having walked behind the Lord and towards her brothers, to then conclude her journey in the glory of Heaven".
"This way, the Holy Virgin is the One who precedes us along the journey, reminding all of us that our lives are also a journey, a continuous journey towards the horizon of our definitive encounter," the Pope concludes.
After the blessing, the Pontiff's thoughts turn, once again, to all those countries where weapons roar: "It is to Mary Queen of peace that I would like to entrust", once again, the anxieties and suffering of the populations that, in many parts of the world, suffer due to social tension and war. I am thinking in particular of war-torn Ukraine, of the Middle East, Palestine, Israel, Sudan and Myanmar. May our heavenly Mother bring consolation and a future of serenity and concord to all!".
Francis said he was concerned about "the very serious humanitarian situation in Gaza and I ask once again that there be a ceasefire on all fronts, that the hostages be freed and that the exhausted population be aided. I encourage everyone to make every effort so that the conflict does not expand, and to follow the paths of negotiation so that this tragedy may end soon! Let's not forget: war is a defeat.”
Finally, a prayer for Greece, which in the last few days has been fighting a very serious fire, which has developed northeast of Athens: "Tens of thousands have already been evacuated, many families have been left homeless, thousands of people are facing terrible hardships and, in addition to the immense material damage, an environmental disaster is in the making. I pray for the victims and the injured, I pledge my closeness to those who are suffering as a result of this serious event, trusting that they may be supported by common solidarity. "
Then, the inevitable greeting to the brave pilgrims who, despite the scorching heat, crowded St. Peter's Square, adorning it with flags of different countries: "I thank you for your presence; I wish you a good feast of the Assumption of Our Lady and, please, brothers and sisters, do not forget to pray for me. Have a good lunch and arrivederci! (Fides News Agency 15/8/2024)
