POMPEII, Italy, OCT. 19, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI placed the world in Mary's hands during his one-day visit to the shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary in Pompeii, near Naples.
"We implore you to have pity today on the nations that have gone astray, on all Europe, on the whole world, that they might repent and return to your heart," the text of the prayer reads.
With the words of Bartolo, the Pontiff turned to Mary, saying: "If you will not help us because we are ungrateful and unworthy children of your protection, we will not know to whom to turn." In a gesture of filial love, the Pope then offered the Madonna a golden rose.
The shrine contains an image of Mary to which hundreds of miracles and healings are attributed.
"Here at Mary's feet, families rediscover or reinforce the joy of love that keeps them united."
The secret of Pompeii, the Holy Father revealed, is the rosary: "This prayer leads us through Mary to Jesus."
"The rosary is a contemplative prayer that is accessible to all: great and small, lay people and clerics, cultured and uncultured," he said. "The rosary is a spiritual weapon in the struggle against evil, against all violence, for peace in hearts, in families, in society and in the world."
"We implore you to have pity today on the nations that have gone astray, on all Europe, on the whole world, that they might repent and return to your heart," the text of the prayer reads.
With the words of Bartolo, the Pontiff turned to Mary, saying: "If you will not help us because we are ungrateful and unworthy children of your protection, we will not know to whom to turn." In a gesture of filial love, the Pope then offered the Madonna a golden rose.
The shrine contains an image of Mary to which hundreds of miracles and healings are attributed.
"Here at Mary's feet, families rediscover or reinforce the joy of love that keeps them united."
The secret of Pompeii, the Holy Father revealed, is the rosary: "This prayer leads us through Mary to Jesus."
"The rosary is a contemplative prayer that is accessible to all: great and small, lay people and clerics, cultured and uncultured," he said. "The rosary is a spiritual weapon in the struggle against evil, against all violence, for peace in hearts, in families, in society and in the world."
