Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - "Be assured that faith and hope work miracles," writes Pope Francis in a letter to the people of God in Nicaragua, on the occasion of the novena for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th.
In the letter, the Pope stresses that he has wanted to write a pastoral letter "for some time now" "to reaffirm the affection I feel for the Nicaraguan people, who have always been distinguished by an extraordinary love for God."
"I am with you, especially in these days in which you celebrate the novena of the Immaculate Conception," added the Bishop of Rome, recalling that "the loving providence of the Lord is the only sure guide." "It is precisely in the most difficult moments, when it becomes humanly impossible to understand what God wants from us, that we are called not to doubt his care and mercy. The trust you place in him as children of God and your fidelity to the Church are the two great beacons that illuminate your existence," Pope Francis continued.
The Pope invites all Nicaraguans to look to the Immaculate Conception, "a shining witness of this trust. You have always experienced her motherly embrace in all your needs," and therefore, the Pope said, "I hope that this Feast of the Immaculate Conception grants you the strength you need in difficulties, uncertainties, and hardships. On this Feast, do not forget to throw yourselves into the arms of Jesus with the exclamation 'Dios primero' - ‘God first’ - that you often repeat."
"The common journey, sustained by the loving devotion to Mary, makes us walk the path of the Gospel with determination and leads us to renew our trust in God," continues the Bishop of Rome, who invites the people of Nicaragua to pray the Rosary, whose "mysteries pass through the intimacy of our hearts, where the freedom of the daughters and sons of God finds refuge, which no one can take away from us. How many graces we receive through the Rosary; it is a powerful prayer".
Finally, the Pope entrusts everyone to the Immaculate Conception, chosen as the patroness saint of Nicaragua, and invites us to pray with the prayer that he himself composed in view of the Jubilee so that the Lord “may give us peace and all the graces we need.” (F.B) (Agenzia Fides, 2/12/2024)
