(October 08, 2009) Pope Benedict XVI Wednesday entrusted the synod on Africa under
way at the Vatican to Our Lady of the Rosary. Noting the feast of this devotion to
the Virgin Mary and the work of the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod
of Bishops, the Pope asked the faithful: "Unite with me in entrusting this important
event in the life of the Church to the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Rosary. "Through
the ministry of the Church may the people of Africa recover the paths that lead to
reconciliation, justice and peace." The Holy Father also spoke of the rosary in his
traditional greeting to youth, the sick and newlyweds. He affirmed that the rosary
is a prayer that is important for himself, as it was for previous popes. He said:
"Today the Church honours Our Lady of the Rosary, liturgical memorial that gives me
the opportunity to confirm the importance of praying the rosary, a prayer so dear
also to my venerated predecessors. "I recommend it to you, dear young people, so
that it will help you to do God's will and to find in the Immaculate Heart of Mary
a safe refuge. "May it make you, dear sick people, feel the comfort of our heavenly
Mother, because with her you will be able to face moments of trial." Finally, the
Bishop of Rome urged newlyweds to pray the rosary every day.