Mary
is the Mother who Intercedes for Everyone
Pope John
Paul II
Angelus Message in Como, Italy
May 5, 1996
The
people of the world are wondering where this noise is coming from. I have to say it is
coming from Como!
1.
Dear young people present in this stadium, and dear brothers and sisters who are listening
on radio or television I am pleased today to recite the Marian prayer of Regina Caeli in
the land of Como. This ancient Church, whose territory extends between hills and plains
lakes and mountains, is strongly marked by Mary's presence.
There
are many shrines in the region some of which stand almost like sentinels over the whole
breadth of the Alpine chain. From these sacred places, the Blessed Virgin watches over the
towns and villages of the Diocese and gives her maternal protection to all who entrust
themselves to her.
2.
Here I would like to mention some of these churches, starting with the cathedral of Como
itself, dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption; the sixth anniversary of the beginning of
its construction occurs precisely this year. Then going west as far as the Diocese of
Bolzano-Bressanone, we find among others the shrines of Ardena and Drezzo, the smallest of
all, both dedicated to Mary's Assumption. The Shrine of Our Lady of Succour in Isola
Ossuccio, on the western shores of the lake, is particularly a place of prayer for
vocations of special consecration. The shrine of Gallivaggio protects the Valchiavenna as
far as the Spluga Pass, the ancient way to Rome and Italy. Our Lady of Sassella watches
over the city and territory of Sondrio. The Shrine of the Holy House of Loreto in
Tresivio, a monument of art and sincere faith, and that of the Blessed Virgin of Graces in
Grosotto are places of devout pilgrimage which rekindle the devotion of the faithful. The
diocesan shrine par excellence is located in Tirano. Tradition has it that in this spot
the Blessed Virgin appeared to Omodei, asking that a church be built there to honour and
invoke her. Believers, encouraged and led by ecclesiastical authority, come here from all
parts to request cures and conversions and to express their filial gratitude to Jesus and
Mary.
3.
I am pleased to recall with you these sacred places which spiritually adorn your Diocese.
They witness to a strong tradition of Marian devotion which has survived the centuries.
Sometimes
it is objected that devotion to Our Lady, especially popular devotion, risks detracting
attention from the centre of the faith, which is Jesus, who died and is risen. But this is
not so. Through Mary, we come to her Son more easily. Mary is held up as a model for the
believer and for the whole Church called to respond to the Lord with her own "yesn.
She is the Mother who intercedes for all: for souls thirsting for God and for those who
are groping in the darkness of doubt and disbelief for those who are suffering in body or
tried in spirit, for those who yield to the attraction of sin and for those who are
struggling to escape its clutches. Her motherly concern overlooks no one.
The
month of May, traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, has just begun. From
her, let us learn the Gospel simplicity of children who entrust themselves to their
Mother. May Mary lead us to Christ in joy and in suffering, "now, and at the hour of
our death". Amen!
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