2011-04-25 14:53:44

Pope’s Easter Monday ‘Regina’ Coeli’


(April 25, 2011) The fact that Christians affirm that the Lord is truly risen, commits them to be Christ’s authentic witnesses in preaching Him to the world. Pope Benedict XVI made the remark on Easter Monday while addressing a crowd that had gathered in the courtyard of the papal summer residence of Castelgandolfo, just outside, to recite the midday ‘Regina Coeli’ prayer with him. The Pope went to Castelgandolfo fro a few days of rest following a hectic Holy Week of ceremonies and liturgies that ended with the Easter message and blessing on Sunday. Easter Monday is a holiday in the Vatican and Italy. Pope Benedict reflected on the implication of Christ’s resurrection saying the greeting, “Christ is risen! He is truly risen!” is both a profession of faith and a commitment of life just as it happened with the women in Mathew’s Gospel. When they met, touched and adored the risen Christ, He told them to go and tell His brothers to go to Galilee where they would see Him. According to Pope Paul VI, the entire Church receives the mission to evangelize, and the work of each member is important for all.
After reciting the ‘Regina Coeli’, the Pope encouraged the fight against paedophilia and expressed support for children who are victims of violence, exploitation and indifference. The Pope addressed representatives of an Italian child-rights association called ‘Meter’, encouraging its efforts in preventing child abuse and sensitizing consciences alongside various education entities.
Pope Benedict also addressed English-speaking visitors in the crowd:
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I am pleased to greet all the English-speaking visitors and pil grims here present for today’s Regina Caeli prayers. With greater joy than ever, the Church celebrates these eight days in a special way, as she recalls the Lord Jesus’s resurrection from the dead. Let us pray fervently that the joy and peace of Our Lady, Mary of Magdala and the Apostles will be our own as we welcome the risen Lord into our hearts and lives. I invoke God’s abundant blessings upon you all! 







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