Angelus - Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (2007)

Papa Ratzinger Forum ^ | August 15, 2007 | Benedict XVI

[ELS]

Here is a translation of the words of the Holy Father at the Angelus in Castel Gandolfo today:


Dear brothers and sisters!

We celebrate today the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is an ancient feast, which has its ultimate foundation in Sacred Scripture which shows us the Virgin Mary closely united to her divine Son and always one with him.

Mother and Son appear closely associated in the battle against the infernal enemy until full victory is achieved over him. This victory is expressed, particularly, by overcoming sin and death, a victory over those enemies that St. Paul presented to us always conjoined. (cfr Rm 5, 12. 15-21; 1 Cor 15, 21-26).

Thus, just as the glorious Resurrection of Christ was the definitive sign of victory, the glorification of Mary in her virginal body constitutes the final confirmation of her full solidarity with her son in battle as in victory.

Such profound theological significance was expressed by the Servant of God Pius XII in proclaiming on November 1, 1950, the solemn dogmatic definition of this Marian privilege. He said, "In this way, the august Mother of God, arcanely united with Jesus Christ through eternity through the same decree of predestination - immaculate in her conception, virgin undefiled in her divine maternity, generous associate of the Divine Redeemer, who achieved full triumph over sin and its consequence - at the end, as a supreme crown to her privileges, was preserved from corruption in the tomb, and triumphing over death, as her Son did, was taken up body and soul to the glory of Heaven, where she reigns as Queen at the right hand of her Son, immortal King of centuries" (Cost. Munificentissimus Deus: AAS 42 [1950], 768-769).

Dear brothers and sisters, assumed into heaven, Mary has not gone away from us. She continues to be near us, and her light shines on our life and on the history of all humanity.

Attracted by the celestial radiance of the Redeemer's Mother, let us look trustingly to her who watches over us and protects us from on high. We all need her help and her comfort in order to face the trials and challenges of every day. We need to feel that she is our Mother and sister in the concrete situations of our existence.

In order that even we may share one day and for always her own destiny, let us emulate her in her obedient following of Christ and her generous service to her brothers.

This is the only way we could have a foretaste, even during our earthly pilgrimage, of the joy and peace that is lived in full by whoever arrives at the immortal destination in Paradise.

After the Angelus, he said in English:

I offer a warm welcome to the English-speaking visitors gathered for this Angelus prayer on the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady. May the example and prayers of Mary, Queen of Heaven, inspire and sustain us on our pilgrimage of faith, that we too may attain the glory of the Resurrection and the fulfilment of our hope in her Son’s promises. Upon you and your families I invoke the Lord’s richest blessings!

In German, he addressed a special greeting to participants of the Youth Pilgrimage to Mariazell, Austria:

I specially greet today our young friends who are linked to us from Mariazell, in Austria, through television.

Dear young people, you have gathered in a House of Mary that I too will visit next month. The example of Mary, the mother of Jesus, shows us that God sought out men in whom he could make his dwelling. Christ would like to dwell in our hearts.

And the Church, the house of God, will grow when we, the people of God, with our faith, with our prayers, with hope and love, accept Him, and become living stones of this spiritual house.

Dear pilgrims, dear young people, today let us pray specially to Mary, who is an exceptional and perfect stone of the living House of God, for her intercession in our own personal lives. She lives wholly in the presence of God while still remaining deeply bound to us human beings in her motherly heart.

May the protection of Mary accompany you all along your way!

He also had special words for Polish pilgrims:

Today I join in prayer with the bishops and faithful gathered in Jasna Gora. Rendering glory to the Virgin Mary of the Assumption, I entrust the Church in Poland and all Poles to her protection. I bless you all from the heart.

At the end, he said:

I wish everyone a happy Feast of the Assumption.

[ELS]

Pope Benedict XVI blesses [sic] the faithful from the balcony of his summer residence of Castel Gandolfo, on the hills overlooking Rome, during the Angelus prayer, Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2007. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

In this handout photo made available by the Vatican paper L'osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Mass at the San Tommaso da Villanova church, at the Pontiff's summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2007. (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano, HO)

In this handout photo provided by the Vatican paper L'osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Mass at the San Tommaso da Villanova church, at the Pontiff's summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2007. (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano, HO)

[ELS]

Weekly audience angelus ping!

There was no general audience today, but Benedict XVI did celebrate Mass and pray the Angelus publicly.

Please let me know if you want to be on or off this ping list.

[ELS]