Pope Benedict XVI hopes 90^th Anniversary of Mary’s Apparitions at Fatima will help growth of Rosary

(Tues.08 May,2007):-Pope Benedict XVI said he hopes the 90th anniversary of Mary's apparitions in Fatima will help the faithful to grow in their appreciation of the rosary. The Pope made these remarks in a letter sent to Cardinal Angelo Sodano, dean of the College of Cardinals, naming him as the pontifical legate for the opening celebrations of the anniversary. The celebrations will take place in Fatima, Portugal, this Saturday and Sunday.
The Holy Father's message written in Latin reads: "We, who have already visited the sanctuary and, as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, have studied the message entrusted by the Blessed Virgin Mary to the little shepherds, hope , that the faithful will rediscover the value of praying the holy Rosary." On May 13, 2000, during the third and last visit of Pope John Paul II to Fatima, Cardinal Sodano, then Vatican Secretary of State, announced the third part of the secret of Fatima and explained its meaning. His announcement followed the beatification of two of the three visionaries, Francisco and Jacinta. Pope Benedict’s message also referred to Pope John Paul II's visit to Fatima in 1982, to thank the Virgin Mary for "having preserved in a miraculous way" his life, during the assassination attempt in St. Peter's Square on May 13, 1981. Pope Benedict recalled how, on that occasion,Pope John Paul II exhorted the faithful to heed Our Lady of Fatima's ]warnings and fulfil her requests."