On the Marian Day

Here is the translation of the Holy Father’s address prior to the recitation of the Angelus at the conclusion of the Mass for the Marian Day. The Mass was held in St. Peter’s Square today.

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Dear brothers and sisters,

Today, in Terragona, Spain about 500 martyrs, killed for their faith during the Spanish civil war of the 1930s, are being proclaimed blessed. Let us praised the Lord for these courageous witnesses of his and through their intercession let us supplicate [God] to free the world from all violence.

I thank all of you who came in great numbers from Rome, from Italy and from many parts of the world for this celebration of faith dedicated to Mary our Mother.

[Speaking in Spanish, the Holy Father said:]

I greet with affection the Panamanian group who are meeting today in Rome and I entrust them to the protection of Our Lady of Antigua, heavenly patroness of this dear nation.

[Speaking again in Italian, he said]

I greet the children of the Piccole Impronte [Small Prints] International Orchestra for Peace, and the National Association for Amputee and Handicapped Workers.

I greet the young people of Rome, who have recently undertaken the “Jesus at the Center” mission: always be missionaries of the Gospel, every day and in every place! And I happily address a greeting also to the inmates of the prison of Castrovillari.

And now let us pray together:

“Angelus Domini…”

I wish you a good Sunday, a good lunch. And goodbye!

[Translation by Joseph Trabbic]