DIOCESE OF ROME AND JUBILEE PILGRIMS ENTRUSTED TO MARY

VATICAN CITY, MAY 28, 2000 (VIS) - Before praying the Regina Coeli with the tens of thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square for the Jubilee of the diocese of Rome, the Pope entrusted the fruits of this Jubilee to Mary, asking that "all who live in Rome might preserve a strong faith and sincere love for Jesus, the only Savior of the world."

He also asked Mary's aid for the forthcoming events: the Jubilee of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples from June 1-3, the Jubilee of Journalists on June 4 and the International Eucharistic Congress which takes place June 18-25.

In conclusion, the Holy Father entrusted all pilgrims to the Blessed Virgin. He noted that the month of May, which is dedicated to Mary, "is coming to an end, and will conclude on May 31 with the liturgical feast of the Visitation, which recalls Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth. Almost everywhere on that day there will be Marian celebrations, including in the Vatican where there will be the traditional evening procession to the Grotto of Lourdes.

"At Lourdes, as in Fatima, the Mother of God gave mankind the same message: prayer and penance, which echoes the Gospel warning: Be vigilant and pray! Only in this fashion can peace triumph in hearts, among men and women and among peoples."

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