• Pope Francis said on Sunday (July 12th) that Mary is always with us, her children, especially the poor and the most needy.  He also prayed that Mary may strengthen the Church’s members in fraternal love and that with her help the Church may be a welcoming home for all. His words came during his Angelus address pronounced at the end of the open-air Mass celebrated at Nu Guazu outside Asuncion on the final day of his visit to Paraguay. 

    Please find below an English translation of the Pope’s prepared remarks at his Angelus address following the Mass at Nu Guazu: “I thank the Archbishop of Asuncion, the Most Reverend Edmundo Ponziano Valenzuela Mellid, for his kind words.

    At the end of this celebration we look with trust to the Virgin Mary, Mother of God and our Mother.  She is the gift that Jesus gives to his people.  He gave her to us as our Mother at the hour of his cross and suffering.  She is the fruit of Christ’s sacrifice for us.  And from that moment, Mary has always been, and will always be, with her children, especially the poor and those most in need.

    Mary has become part of the tapestry of human history, of our lands and peoples. As in so many other countries of Latin America, the faith of the Paraguayan people is imbued with  love of the Virgin Mary.  They approach their mother with confidence, they open their hearts and entrust to her their joys and sorrows, their aspirations and sufferings.  Our Lady consoles them and with tender love fills them with hope.  They never cease to turn with trust to Mary, mother of mercy for each and every one of her children.

    I also ask the Blessed Mother, who persevered in prayer with the Apostles as they waited for the Holy Spirit (Acts 1,13-14), to watch over the Church and strengthen her members in fraternal love.  With Mary’s help, may the Church be a home for all, a welcoming home, a mother for all peoples.

    Dear brothers and sisters: I ask you please to pray also for me.  I know how much the Pope is loved in Paraguay.  I also keep you in my heart and I pray for you and your country.

    Let us now join in praying the Angelus.”

    Source: Vatican Radio