Pope’s message to Uruguayans on Marian anniversary

(November 14, 2011) Pope Benedict XVI has sent his blessings to the 50th anniversary celebration of the crowing of the Virgin of Trentatrè, the patron of Uruguay. The Holy Father’s felicitation was conveyed by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, in a message sent to Bishop Carlos María Collazzi Irazábal, president of the Uruguayan Bishops’ Conference. The Pope encouraged the devotion to the Mother of God in families and Christian communities of Uruguay. He urged Uruguayans to welcome the gospel with meekness and devote themselves to the prayer, and thus find the strength to be true disciples and missionaries of Jesus Christ, while remaining deeply rooted in faith, strong in love for the Church and always willing to work with everyone in building a more just and fraternal society.