In a shortened Angelus address at the end of Sunday’s canonization and
solemn Mass, Pope Benedict turned his thoughts to Mary, Queen of all the
Saints. The Holy Father noted the recent flooding of the Gave river, near the Shrine of Lourdes, which has affected even the Grotto of the Apparition at the famous pilgrimage site.
With reference to World Mission Sunday, Pope Benedict called upon the faithful to “to entrust to the maternal protection of the Virgin Mary all missionaries – priests, religious, and lay – that in every part of the world sow the good seed of the Gospel.”
He prayed, too, for the Synod of Bishops, meeting this month in General Assembly in Rome, as they attempt to meet the challenges of the New Evangelization.
Finally, Pope Benedict greeted pilgrims and visitors from around the world in various languages. He had the following message in English:
“On the happy occasion of the canonizations today, I greet the official delegations and all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors, especially those from the Philippines, Canada and the United States of America. May the holiness and witness of these saints inspire us to draw closer to the Son of God who, for such great love, came to serve and offer his life for our salvation. God bless you all!”