TIME OF ADVENT, GUIDED BY MARY

Vatican City, 2 December 2013 (VIS) – On the first Sunday of Advent, the Holy Father appeared at the window of his study in the Vatican Apostolic Palace to pray the Angelus with the faithful gathered in the square. “This day has a special charm”, said the Pope. “It gives us a deep sense of history. We rediscover the beauty of taking the same path together: the Church, with her vocation and mission, and humanity as a whole, populations, civilisations, cultures, all walking along paths through time”.

Pope Francis emphasised that this path never ends. “As in the life of every one of us there is the need to start again, to get up again, to rediscover the meaning and aim of our existence, so for the great human family is it necessary to continually renew the common horizon towards which we all strive”. The Holy Father commented that the best example of this spiritual attitude is that of the Virgin Mary, and her Magnificat, the hymn of the People of God on their path. “Let us allow ourselves to be guided by her in this time of waiting and active watchfulness”.

Following the Angelus, the Holy Father greeted the pilgrims present and mentioned that today is World AIDS Day. “We express our closeness to those who are affected, especially children; a solid closeness in the commitment of many missionaries and workers. Let us pray for them all, and also for doctors and researchers. May every sick person, without exception, have access to the necessary treatment”.