Pope leads Rosary to close Marian month

(Vatican Radio) Attention, decision, action: these are three characteristics, which sign the spiritual attitude of Our Lady. This was the focus of Pope Francis’ remarks to the faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square Friday evening, to pray the Rosary at the close of the Marian month of May.

Like Mary, we must listen attentively to the Lord, who speaks to us through our lives. “Listen to everyday reality,” said Pope Francis, “[listen] to people, to the facts: for the Lord is at our door and knocks in many ways, he places signs in our path; he give us the ability to see them.” Listen:

We must also be decisive, as was Mary when she discerned the will of the Lord and undertook the journey to visit her cousin, Elizabeth, notwithstanding her pregnancy.

Mary also is a model of decisive action: though she does not take rash, rushed decisions, once she has decided, she moves quickly and surely. We, too, “[ought] to move quickly toward others to give them our help, our understanding and our charity,” most especially, to share that, which is the most precious gift we have: the Good News that Jesus is Lord and that He is risen. “Give people that which we have of most value,” said Pope Francis, “Jesus and his Gospel – in word, and especially with the concrete testimony of our actions.”

The Holy Father concluded with a prayer for Mary’s intercession in behalf of the whole Christian community, that by her intercession our ears might be opened, our minds and hearts enlightened, and hands and feet made swift and strong to serve in charity.