The Pope spoke of her feast day at the conclusion of the general audience in Paul VI Hall, during his traditional greeting to youth, the sick and newlyweds.
«Today we celebrate the liturgical memorial of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary,» he said. «The Second Vatican Council says that Mary precedes us in the way of faith because she ‘believed that what was spoken to her by the Lord would be fulfilled’ (Luke 1:45).»
The Holy Father then drew on the example of Mary’s faith for his threefold recommendation.
He said: «For you, young people, I ask the Holy Virgin the gift of an ever more mature faith; for you the sick, an ever stronger faith; and for you, dear newlyweds, an ever deeper faith.»
