A small image of the Virgin of Fatima covered just a small area to the left of the altar in St. Peter's Square on Saturday, October 11, in a clear hymn of love for Mary.
Mary, perhaps from the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, contemplated the entire square, and filled the hearts of all those who had gathered to accompany the Virgin Mary. Leo XIV in his petition to the Mother of God for world peace.
«Tonight we have gathered in prayer with Mary, Mother of God, to pray for the salvation of the world. Jesus, as the first church in Jerusalem used to do (Acts 1:14). All united, persevering and with the same sentiment. We never tire of interceding for peace, a gift of God that must become our conquest and our commitment,» said Pope Leo XIV.
Silence filled the entire square; silence and order in the steps of the ceremony. It was the celebration of the Jubilee of the Marian Spirituality, that the Papa wanted to celebrate open to everyone, spiritually and geographically.
The media of all kinds made it possible for the Church, spread throughout the world, to be “one heart and one soul” that evening, with the Bishop of Rome, and open the hearts of all believers to that unity of Faith, of Hope, of Charity, for which the Pope has prayed, and has reminded us to pray, since the first day of his pontificate.
«Let us contemplate the Mother of Jesus and the small group of courageous women at the foot of the Cross, so that we too may learn to stand, as they did, beside the infinite crosses of the world, where Christ continues to be crucified in his brothers and sisters, to bring them consolation, heart and help», the Holy Father reflected.
Had Heaven come down to St. Peter's Square?
The choirs were very good with the music chosen for such an event, and I would say the same about the texts of the Second Vatican Council read before the recitation of each mystery.
And not to mention the example of faith and piety given by all the people who filled the square with their devotion. Was every woman, every man, accompanied by his or her Guardian Angels? His responses in Italian to the words of the Our Fathers, Hail Mary and Glory Be, said in English, Italian, Spanish, French and Portuguese, manifested a recollection of spirit and a piety that opened the soul to a constant dialogue with the Blessed Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit.
Leo XIV remained kneeling before the image of the Virgin during the entire time that the Marian Litany was being recited. He made his own the words that he pronounced in the meditation prior to the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament:
«Our gaze as believers looks to the Virgin Mary to guide our pilgrimage in hope, contemplating her “human and evangelical virtues, the imitation of which constitutes the most authentic Marian devotion»." (Lumen Gentium, 65, 67).
The Pope read the entire meditation standing up, and he did so with great serenity and peace. He undoubtedly wanted the hearts of all those who listened to him in corners of the world to be at peace. Rome, The people of Italy, Europe, Asia, Africa, America and Oceania should open themselves to devotion to the Virgin Mary and make their own the words of the “testament” that Mary left to all human beings:
"Our hope is illuminated by the gentle and persevering light of Mary's words in the Gospel. And, among all of them, the last ones pronounced at the Wedding at Cana are precious, when, pointing to Jesus, she says to the servants: “Do whatever he tells you” (Jn 2:5).
Then she will speak no more. Therefore, these words, which are almost a testament, must be very dear to the children, like any mother's testament” (...) “Do whatever He tells you”: the whole of the Gospel, The demanding word, the consoling caress, the reproach and the embrace. What you understand and also what you do not understand. Mary exhorts us to be like the prophets: not to let a single one of their words fall into the void».
And he ends his meditation by reminding us that the Mr. counts on each one of us to sow peace in the world:
«Courage, go ahead. You who build the conditions for a future of peace, in justice and forgiveness; be meek and determined, do not be discouraged. The peace is a way and God walks with you.
The Lord creates and spreads peace through his friends who are peacemakers in heart, who in turn become peacemakers, instruments of his peace».
The ceremony ends with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Sacramento. A central act of Christian piety. And there Mary was teaching us to welcome her Son in the full donation of all the Love that brought him to earth: the Eucharist. And it is she, Mary, who prepares our soul, our body to receive the Lord, as she received him:
«Pray with us, faithful Woman, tabernacle womb of the Word. Holy Maria, Mother of the living, strong, sorrowful, faithful woman, Virgin bride by the Cross, where love is consummated and life springs forth, be the guide of our commitment to service (...) Virgin of peace, door of sure hope, accept the prayers of your children!.
Ernesto Juliá, ernesto.julia@gmail.com
Originally published in Religion Confidential.
