Pope Benedict's Angelus reflection on the Immaculate Conception
Pope Benedict reflected on Thursday's Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception in his
Angelus address to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square. Speaking in Italian,
the pope recalled how Our Lady was preserved from every stain of original sin and
refers to the gospel account of the Annunciation where she is described by the angel
Gabriel as "full of grace." He said this expression indicates God's marvellous work
of love who wishes to regive us our life and freedom, lost through sin, through the
figure of his only begotten Son. It's for this reason, Pope Benedict continued, that
the Church in both the East and the West has since the second century invoked and
celebrated the figure of the Blessed Virgin who by saying "Yes" brought Heaven closer
to the Earth. He also reminded those present that later in the day he would be going
to Rome's Spanish Steps to pay homage to Mary by the statue of Our Lady in the square,
as is the tradition on this date.
After the Angelus, Pope Benedict also
greeted English-speaking pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square. The following is
the full text of his greeting in English:
"I am pleased to greet all the English-speaking
visitors on this great feast-day when we honour the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed
Virgin Mary. In her sinless perfection, Mary is a great sign of hope for the Church
and for the world, a sign of the marvels that God’s grace can accomplish in us, his
human creatures. In these days of Advent, in company with the holy and immaculate
Mother of God, let us prepare to welcome her Son into our lives and into our hearts.
May God bestow his blessings of joy and peace upon all of you, and upon your families
and loved ones at home."
Listen to the sound of Pope Benedict's greeting in
English: