Banneux and the Precept of Charity
(24 May 08 - RV) On May 31 2008 the Church in Belgium will mark the 75th anniversary of the apparitions of the “Virgin of the Poor” at the Marian Shrine in Banneux.
Today the Vatican released Pope Benedict XVI’s message appointing Cardinal Godfried Daneels, Archbishop of Malines-Brussels, as his special representative at the celebrations.
In his letter, the pope emphasized that the Chair of Peter always rejoices in promoting proper devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary among the faithful.
The pope wrote that the anniversary of the apparitions gives the Church in Belgium the chance to ponder anew the teaching of the Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church which speaks of the of Mary as “she who stands out among the poor and humble of the Lord, who confidently hope for and receive salvation from Him.”
The pope remarked that the happy coincidence of the anniversary of the apparitions of the Virgin of the Poor with the annual Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is an opportunity to help the faithful with the example and prayers of Our Lady to continue on the path of spiritual renewal and to appreciate that the “precept of charity” spurs us on in a diligent service to others in daily life.
Pope Benedict XVI concluded the letter by entrusting Cardinal Daneels with the charge to impart his apostolic blessing upon the faithful who gather at the shrine for the celebrations.
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