THE CENACLE: CRADLE OF THE ROSARY

VATICAN CITY, MAY 25, 2003 (VIS) - Today at noon, John Paul II appeared at his study window to recite the Regina Coeli with the faithful gathered below in St. Peter's Square.

John Paul II recalled that the month of May, which in the northern hemisphere marks the full bloom of nature, is also a "time of the paschal 'alleluia' that resounds in the entire Church, a very propitious time to offer new generations the gifts of the Risen Christ: Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation."

He then noted that during the upcoming week, the Novena of Pentecost begins with the feast of the Ascension. "Christian communities," he said, "will be able to re-live the original experience of the Cenacle where the disciples gathered ... in prayer with Jesus' Mother. The maternal presence of Mary among the Apostles was for them the memory of Christ ... she watched over the mysteries of the Annunciation, Resurrection and Ascension, throughout Jesus' public life, passion and death. In this sense, it can be said that in the Cenacle the prayer of the Rosary was born because the first Christians began to contemplate Christ's face with Mary, remembering the various moments of His earthly life."

"I would like to indicate," concluded the Holy Father, "two prayer intentions for this year which is dedicated to the Rosary: the family, whose fundamental principles and values are being seriously threatened unfortunately, and peace in the world, especially in the Holy Land. Despite the fierce violence which continues to rage, and which offends God and man, may the Lord reinforce the search for fair, negotiated solutions in order to ensure serenity and peace for all peoples."

ANG;ROSARY; FAMILY; PEACE;...;...;VIS;20030526;Word: 290;