Pope Invites Married Couples to Remember Nazareth

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 7, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI today encouraged newlyweds to model their homes on that of the Holy Family in Nazareth.

The Pope spoke of Our Lady and Nazareth at the end of today's general audience, during his customary greetings to youth, the sick and newlyweds.

He mentioned Thursday's feast of the Immaculate Conception, saying it "reminds us of Mary's singular adherence to God's saving plan."

"Preserved from every shadow of sin, in order to be the all holy dwelling place of the Word Incarnate, she always entrusted herself wholly to the Lord," the Pontiff said.  

"Dear young people," he continued, "strive to imitate her with pure and limpid hearts, allowing yourselves to be molded by God who also intends 'to do great things' in you (cf. Luke 1:49)."

The Holy Father encouraged the sick to avail of Mary's help to trust in the Lord, "who knows your sufferings and who, by uniting them to his own, offers them for the salvation of the world."

He concluded: "And you, dear newlyweds, who wish to build your homes on the grace of God, make your homes, in imitation of the home of Nazareth, a hearth of love and piety."