Pope: Mary a model of faith

Marking the end of the Marian month of May, which also celebrates the feast of the Visitation, Pope Benedict joined Cardinals, Bishops’ Priests and the faithful at the Grotto of Lady of Lourdes in the Vatican Gardens to honour the Mother of God.

Speaking at the Grotto, the Holy Father said that God was at the centre of Mary’s life, she abandoned herself to his will in a mark of humble obedience to his loving plan.

The Pope added that it was because of her humility of heart and spirit that she was chosen to be the Mother of God.

The Pope also noted that we have all so much to learn from Mary.

Her faith, Pope Benedict said invites us to look beyond appearances and to believe firmly that daily difficulties are preparing us for a spring that has already begun in Christ Risen.

The Holy Father prayed that the faithful through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, would be renewed by a new sense of joy, a joy he said which finds its source in the Lord, despite the trials that life brings. Listen to Lydia O’Kane’s report.