Pope Benedict XVI marks the end of the Month of Mary

A gift of grace for the whole Church – that is what Pope Benedict XVI called Blessed John Paul II on Tuesday night in the Vatican Gardens. He was speaking to the faithful who had just finished reciting the rosary, and processing from the church of St. Stephen of the Abyssinians, located within the Vatican Walls, to the grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, in the Vatican Gardens. The event marked the end of May, which is traditionally dedicated to Our Lady.

Pope Benedict greeted the faithful at the Grotto, and remarked upon the beatification of John Paul II at the beginning of the month. He said the Blessed John Paul’s testimony continues to illuminate our lives, and spurs us to be true disciples of the Lord, and to follow him with the courage of faith.

He said this courage of faith is demonstrated by Mary, who believed the Angel and responded with faith, and with courage accepted God’s plan for her life.

The Holy Father said that Mary, by accepting the Word of God in herself and giving herself to him without reserve, guides us to give a more generous and unconditional response to God’s plans, even when we are called to embrace the cross. He concluded by, in this Easter season, entrusting the Church and the world to Mary’s maternal intercession.

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