ANGELUS TODAY
Pope calls for
'a civilization of love'
22 Aug 10 (RV) - Pope Benedict, at Angelus in Castel Gandolfo today, Pope Benedict urged people to build a civilisation of love, where there is the absurd logic of violence.
“Mary Queen of Peace, pray for us so that all people will be persuaded that in this world we must help each other as brothers to build the civilization of love", he invoked before leading the Angelus prayers in the courtyard of the papal summer residence on the day celebrating the queenship of Mary.
Here is a full translation of the Holy Father's words:
Dear brothers and sisters,
Eight days after the Solemnity of her Assumption into heaven, the liturgy invites as to venerate the Blessed Virgin Mary with the title of 'Queen'.
We contemplate the Mother of God crowned by her Son, that is, associated to his universal kingship, as she is depicted in numerous mosaics and paintings - the same image that recurs on this Sunday, and which acquires greater light from the Word of God and by the celebration of our weekly Easter.
Specifically, the icon of the Virgin Mary as Queen finds a significant reference in today's Gospel, in which Jesus says: "For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last" (Lk 13.30).
This is a typical statement of Jesus that is repeated many times by the Evangelists - even using similar formulas - because it evidently reflects a theme that he favored in his prophetic preaching.
Our Lady is the perfect example of that evangelical truth - that God brings down the proud and the powerful of the world and exalts the humble (cfr Lk 1,52).
The simple girl from Nazareth has become the Queen of the world! This is one of the wonders that the heart of God reveals. Of course, Mary's queenship is completely related to the kingship of Christ: He is the Lord, who after the humiliation of his death on the Cross, the Father exalted over every other creature in the heavens, on earth and below earth (cfr Phil 2,9-11).
By a design of grace, the Immaculate Mother is fully associated in the mystery of her Son: at his Incarnation; in his earthly life, first hidden in Nazareth and then manifested in his messianic ministry; in his Passion and death; and finally in the glory of the Resurrection and Ascension to heaven.
The Mother shared with her Son not just the human aspects of this mystery, but, through the Holy Spirit working in her, also his profound intention, the divine will, such that all her existence, poor and humble, was exalted, transformed and glorified through that 'narrow gate' which is Jesus himself (cfr Lk 13,34).
Yes, Mary was the first to pass through the way opened by Christ to enter into the Kingdom of God, a way that is accessible to the humble, to those who trust in the Word of God and commit themselves to put it into practice.
In the history of the cities and peoples evangelized by the Christian message, the testimonials of public veneration - in some cases, institutional - of the Virgin Mary's queenship are numberless.
Today, as children of the Church, let us renew our devotion to her whom Jesus gave us to be our Mother and Queen. Let us entrust to her intercession our daily prayer for peace, especially where the absurd logic of violence is most furious - that all men may become convinced that in the world we must help each other as brothers in order to build the civilization of love.
Maria, Regina pacis, ora pro nobis!
After the prayers, he said this in French:
The liturgical texts today remind us once more that all men are called to salvation. It is also an invitation to learn how to accept legitimate human differences, following the example of Jesus who came to gather together men of all nations and of all languages.
Dear parents, may you educate your children in universal brotherhood! And may the Virgin Mary be with you as you prepare for the coming schoolyear. A good Sunday to all!
In English, he said:
I greet all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors present at this Angelus prayer. In a particular way I welcome a group of young Orthodox Christians from Galilee.
Today’s Gospel reminds us that the way to heaven is through the narrow door. May we enter through this narrow door by means of prayer, humility and service of our neighbours, and thus live the joy of the Kingdom even now. Upon you and your loved ones, I invoke the blessings of Almighty God.
Pope joins debate on
gypsy expulsions from France
Castel Gandolfo, Italy, Aug. 22 (dpa) - Pope Benedict XVI appeared to add his voice Sunday to the ongoing controversy over the expulsion of Roma (gypsy) migrants in France by reminding Catholics that they have a duty to welcome people of all origins.
Addressing a group of French pilgrims in French, the Pope said the scriptures were "an invitation to know how to accept legitimate differences among humans, just like Jesus came to pull together men from every nation and speaking every language."
Speaking from his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, near Rome, Benedict also told parents to "educate your children to universal fraternity."
Such comments were widely seen as addressing a decision by the French government of President Nicolas Sarkozy to expel scores of Roma migrants.
Sarkozy's decision to dismantle illegal Gypsy camps and send Romas back to Romania has been widely criticized by human rights associations, trade unions and opposition politicians in France.
The Vatican has also criticized what is says is a racist practice by France.
Earlier this week, Monsignor Giancarlo Perego of the Italian Episcopal Conference warned Italy against carrying out the "indiscriminate expulsions of Romas" or other European Union citizens.
His comments followed remarks made by Italian Interior Minister Roberto Maroni, who had lauded Sarkozy and announced plans to introduce even tougher measures in Italy.
[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 22/08/2010 22:56]