Pope concludes Marian month of May encouraging recitation of Rosary

(June 2, 2008) According to Pope Benedict, the Rosary is a school of Mary in which Christians can learn to let the lamp of faith shine brighter in their hearts. The Pope expressed this on Saturday evening at a gathering in St. Peter's Square marking the conclusion of May, the month dedicated to the Mary. The candlelight event, attended by cardinals, bishops, priests and the laity, is one of a number of events honouring Mary that the Pontiff participated in May. On the first Saturday of the month he presided at the praying of the Rosary at the Basilica of St. Mary Major. In his address at St. Peter's Square, the Holy Father reflected on the Rosary, which he said is "a biblical meditation that permits us to reflect on the events of the Lord’s life in the company of the Blessed Virgin, treasuring them, as she did, in our heart." The Holy Father encouraged the practice praying of the Rosary, "so that, in the school of Mary, the lamp of faith may shine ever brighter in the heart of Christians and in their houses." He further said that the "Magnificat" of Mary underscores her acknowledgment of God’s greatness. Because Mary goes beyond the surface and sees God’s work in history with the eyes of faith, she is blessed. "Her faith,” he said, “allowed her to see that the thrones of the powerful of this world are all provisional, while the throne of God is the only rock that does not change and does not fall.” The Holy Father invited all to imitate Mary’s faith, hope and docile abandonment to divine providence which, he said, prompted her to a generous service of neighbour.