ASTANA, Kazakhstan, SEPT. 23, 2001 (ZENIT.org).- Here is a translation of John Paul II´s address before leading a public recitation of the Angelus, in the Square of the Motherland, following a concelebrated Mass.
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At the end of this solemn celebration, let us recite together the customary Marian prayer, turning with confidence to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. The Astana Cathedral which can be seen from this Square is dedicated to her; and there tomorrow morning, God willing, I will celebrate Holy Mass for the priests, religious and seminarians.
At this moment, I wish to go on spiritual pilgrimage to your national Marian shrine near Oziornoe where you, dear Brothers and Sisters, venerate the Blessed Virgin under the title of Queen of Peace. Prostrate at her feet, I pray for the entire nation of Kazakhstan: for its leaders and citizens, for the families, the young people, the children and the elderly, for those who are suffering and those in need.
To Mary I entrust all of you: Christians and non-Christians, believers and non-believers. She is the Mother of all, because Christ her Son is the Saviour of all. May Mary help all of you, dear Brothers and Sisters, to accomplish in your daily lives Christ’s command: «Love one another», which is the guiding theme of this pastoral visit of mine.
To the perpetual help of the Queen of peace I also entrust the countries bordering Kazakhstan, and I greet especially the pilgrims who have come today from those lands to demonstrate their faith and affection.
Together let us turn now with confidence to the Handmaid of the Lord: «Angelus Domini …»
[Original text: Russian; translation distributed by Vatican Press Office]
