MARY: A GUIDE IN FAITH, A SIGN OF HOPE, AN EXAMPLE OF LOVE

VATICAN CITY, APR 29, 2001 (VIS) - At the end of today's Eucharistic celebration, during which John Paul II beatified five Servants of God, he recited the Regina Coeli with the more than 25,000 faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square.

In reflections before the noon prayer, the Pope said that, "before concluding this solemn celebration, which allowed us to taste the joy of the communion of saints, we turn with filial devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary who, as she was in the Cenacle in Jerusalem, is at the center of this communion. The new Blesseds found in her a guide in their pilgrimage of faith, the consoling sign of certain hope, the example of generous love for God and one's brothers."

The Holy Father then remarked that, "as the month of May is about to start, I invite everyone to prepare to spend it in union with Mary, reciting the rosary, either individually or in community. Following Mary's example, so many men and women throughout the centuries have been formed to holiness."

After greetings in French and Spanish to pilgrim groups who had come to Rome for the beatifications, the Pope concluded his remarks by noting that Italy today celebrates the Day of Sacred Heart Catholic University. Sending greetings to the students and teachers, he said "I also thank all those who in various ways contribute to supporting its scientific and cultural activities."

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