Let us turn in prayer to the Blessed Virgin on this day that commemorates her Nativity…
This was the invitation today, Sept. 8, of Pope Francis during his Angelus address in the Soa Mandrakizay diocesan field in Antananarivo, Madagascar, during his second full day of his visit to the country, during his 31st Apostolic Trip. The Pontiff is visiting the African nations of Mozambique, Madagascar and the island of Mauritius, Sept. 4-10, 2019.
After thanking all involved for his warm welcome, the Holy Father told the some one million present at the field, «let us turn in prayer to the Blessed Virgin on this day that commemorates her Nativity, the dawn of salvation for humanity.»
«May Mary Immaculate, whom you love and venerate as your Mother and Patroness, ever accompany the journey of Madagascar in peace and hope.»
After the Angelus, the Holy Father left the field, where earlier, he had celebrated Mass, and departed for the apostolic nunciature where he would have lunch.
Here is the full Vatican-provided text of the Pope’s Angelus address:
* * *
Dear brothers and sisters, at the conclusion of this celebration, I would like to address a cordial greeting to all of you!
From the heart, I thank Archbishop Razanakolona for his kind words, and with him my other brother bishops present, the priests, consecrated persons, married couples and their families, catechists and all the faithful.
I take this occasion to express my deep gratitude to the President of the Republic and the civil authorities of the country for their generous welcome, as well as all those who have contributed in various ways to the successful outcome of my Visit. May the Lord reward you and bless all your people, through the intercession of Blessed Raphaël Louis Rafiringa, whose relics are enshrined near this altar, and Blessed Victoire Rasoamanarivo.
And now, let us turn in prayer to the Blessed Virgin on this day that commemorates her Nativity, the dawn of salvation for humanity. May Mary Immaculate, whom you love and venerate as your Mother and Patroness, ever accompany the journey of Madagascar in peace and hope.
[Original text: French; Vatican-provided Text and Translation]https://zenit.org/articles/popes-homily-in-madagascar-full-text/
