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Pope Benedict XVI- Angelus |
Angelus Message
On the Marian Devotion of St. John Vianney
"The Holy Curé d'Ars Was Attracted Above all by Mary's Beauty
H.H. Benedict XVI
August 15, 2009
www.zenit.org
Dear
Brothers and Sisters,
In the heart of the month of August, a holiday period for many
families and also for me, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. This is a privileged opportunity
to meditate on the ultimate meaning of our existence, helped by
today's Liturgy which invites us to live in this world oriented to
eternal happiness in order to share in the same glory as Mary, the
same joy as our Mother (cf. Opening Prayer).
Let us, therefore, turn our gaze to Our Lady, Star of Hope, who
illumines us on our earthly journey, and follow the example of the
Saints who turned to her in every circumstance.
You know that we are celebrating the Year for Priests in remembrance
of the Holy Curé d'Ars, and I would like to draw from the thoughts
and testimonies of this holy country parish priest some ideas for
reflection that will be able to help all of us especially us priests
to strengthen our love and veneration for the Most Holy Virgin.
His biographers claim that St John Mary Vianney spoke to Our Lady
with devotion and, at the same time, with trust and spontaneity.
"The Blessed Virgin", he used to say, "is immaculate and adorned
with all the virtues that make her so beautiful and pleasing to the
Blessed Trinity" (B. Nodet, Il pensiero e l'anima del Curato d'Ars,
Turin 1967, p. 303).
And further: "The heart of this good Mother is nothing but love and
mercy, all she wants is to see us happy. To be heard, it suffices to
address oneself to her" (ibid., p. 307). The priest's zeal shines
through these words. Motivated by apostolic longing, he rejoiced in
speaking to his faithful of Mary and never tired of doing so. He
could even present a difficult mystery like today's, that of the
Assumption, with effective images, such as, for example: "Man was
created for Heaven. The devil broke the ladder that led to it. Our
Lord, with his Passion, made another.... The Virgin Most Holy stands
at the top of the ladder and holds it steady with both hands"
(ibid.).
The Holy Curé d'Ars was attracted above all by Mary's beauty, a
beauty that coincides with her being Immaculate, the only creature
to have been conceived without a shadow of sin.
"The Blessed Virgin", he said, "is that beautiful Creature who never
displeased the good Lord" (ibid. p. 306). As a good and faithful
pastor, he first of all set an example also in this filial love for
the Mother of Jesus by whom he felt drawn toward Heaven. "Were I not
to go to Heaven", he exclaimed, "how sorry I should be! I should
never see the Blessed Virgin, this most beautiful creature!" (ibid.,
p. 309).
Moreover, on several occasions he consecrated his parish to Our
Lady, recommending that mothers in particular do the same, every
morning, with their children.
Dear brothers and sisters, let us make our own the sentiments of the
Holy Curé d'Ars. And with his same faith let us turn to Mary, taken
up into Heaven, in a special way entrusting to her the priests of
the whole world.
[After praying the Angelus, the Holy Father addressed the crowd in
various languages. In English, he said:]
I am happy to greet all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors
gathered here at Castel Gandolfo and also in St Peter's Square. As
we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin,
we are invited to raise our eyes to Heaven and contemplate Mary, the
Mother of Jesus and our Mother. She who on earth believed in God's
word is now glorified in body and soul. May Mary's intercession and
example guide you always and renew your hearts in faith and hope.
May God grant you and your families abundant blessings of peace and
joy!
I wish you all a good Feast of the Assumption!
© Copyright 2009 -- Libreria Editrice Vaticana
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