Rosary and missionary activity contribute to peace, says Pope

(Oct. 8, 2007) Pope Benedict XVI asked that the rosary be prayed for peace in families and in the world. "This is something that Mary has also offered in various apparitions," the Pope explained on Sunday to the thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the midday Angelus prayer. He recalled the of apparitions of Fatima 90 years ago, when the Madonna of the Rosary appeared to the three little shepherds, Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco, and insistently recommended praying the rosary every day to bring an end to the war. The Pope said, "We also desire to welcome the Virgin’s maternal request, committing ourselves to saying the rosary with faith for peace in our families, in countries, and in the whole world." The Pope was speaking on the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary in the month dedicated to the Rosary. Sunday was also the World Day of the Rosary, an initiative that began 11 years ago in Mexico, uniting millions of people on five continents to pray the rosary in public places.
October is also the month dedicated to the missionary activity of the Church, and the second-last Sunday of the month is observed as Mission Sunday, which this year falls on Oct. 21. Pope Benedict reflected on the missionary character of the Church affirming that evangelization is the most profound way Christians can promote peace. "…We know that peace spreads where men and institutions are open to the Gospel," the Pontiff said. "The month of October helps us to recall this fundamental truth through a mobilization that seeks to promote an authentic missionary drive in each community, and to support the work of priests, religious and laypeople who work on the Church’s mission frontiers," the Pope added.