Aug 15, 2008 / 14:17 pm
Overlooking the courtyard at the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, Pope Benedict recited the Angelus with those present for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Pontiff stressed that from Heaven, the Mother of God, continues “to watch over the children that Jesus himself entrusted to Her before dying on the cross.”
Noting that Mary’s “maternal love is apparent in the many sanctuaries dedicated to her,” the Holy Father recalled, the city of Lourdes, “where, God willing, I will go in a month, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Marian apparitions that took place there.”
“Mary being assumed into Heaven shows us the ultimate goal of our pilgrimage on earth. She reminds us that our whole being – spirit, soul, and body - is destined for the fullness of life, that those who live and die in love of God and neighbor will be transformed in the image of the glorious body of the risen Christ, the Lord who humbles the proud and extols the lowly (cf. Luke 1.51-52). This is what the Virgin proclaims forever in the mystery of her Assumption. May you always be praised, O Virgin Mary! Pray to the Lord for us!”
At the conclusion of today’s Angelus, the Pope addressed the English-speaking pilgrims saying, “As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, we are invited to raise our eyes to heaven and contemplate Mary, the Mother of Jesus and our Mother. She who on earth believed in God’s word is now glorified in body and soul.”
“May Mary’s prayers and example guide you always and renew your hearts in faith and hope. May God grant you and your families abundant blessings of peace and joy!”