ROME, DEC. 8, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the meditation John Paul II pronounced today when paying homage to the Virgin Mary, before the statue located in Piazza di Spagna, on the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.
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1. Immaculate Virgin!
Once again we are here to honor you,
at the foot of this column,
from which, with love, you watch over
Rome and the whole world,
ever since, one hundred and fifty years ago,
Blessed Pius IX proclaimed,
as truth of the Catholic faith,
your preservation from every stain of sin,
in anticipation of the death and resurrection
of your Son Jesus Christ.
2. Immaculate Virgin!
Your intact spiritual beauty
is for us a living source of confidence and hope.
To have you as Mother, Holy Virgin,
reassures us on the path of life
as pledge of eternal salvation.
Because of this, with confidence
we take recourse to Thee, O Mary.
Help us to build a world
where man’s life is always loved and defended,
every form of violence banished,
the peace of all tenaciously sought.
3. Immaculate Virgin!
In this Year of the Eucharist,
grant us to celebrate and adore
with renewed faith and ardent love
the holy mystery of the Body and Blood of Christ.
In your school, O Eucharistic Woman,
teach us to remember the wonderful works
that God does not cease to accomplish in the hearts of men.
With maternal care, Virgin Mary,
guide our steps always on the paths of the good. Amen!
[Translation by ZENIT]
