MESSAGE FOR 5TH CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS OF "BROWN MADONNA"

VATICAN CITY, JUL 14, 2000 (VIS) - Made public today was Pope John Paul's Message to Cardinal Michele Giordano, archbishop of Naples, Italy, on the occasion of the fifth centenary celebrations of the pilgrimage during which a group of faithful brought the icon of "The Brown Madonna" from Naples to Rome.

"This event," the Holy Father recalls, "gave rise to the widespread practice of the 'Wednesdays of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel', an expression of Marian devotion in which ... it is possible to recognize a reflection of the goodness of Mary Most Holy." July 16 is the feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.

The Pope writes: "On our earthly pilgrimage Mary is the biblical 'column of fire' which illuminates us, the 'guiding star' towards the heavenly homeland, the 'sure port' in which to find consolation and refuge. Guided by her, believers go forward with trust, aware that her sweet presence constantly leads to Christ."

"And thus proceeds the Church," he remarks, "among the trials of the world and the consolations of God towards the fulfillment of the Kingdom in the eschatological phase. This is a path which develops through an ever more intimate communion with God and our brothers and sisters; This (path), 'especially in our era, is marked by the sign of ecumenism'. Mary, Mother of the Church, Mother of unity, hope and love, walks with us."

The Message concludes with a "heartfelt exhortation to the beloved ecclesial community of Naples to proceed ceaselessly, comforted by the maternal intercession of Our Lady, in its efforts for spiritual renewal and an incessant search for unity and communion."

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