Prayer of Saint John Paul II for the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the blessed Virgin Mary

Immaculate Virgin! 
Once again we are here to honour you, at the foot of this column from which you lovingly watch over Rome and the whole world, ever since, 150 years ago, Blessed Pius IX proclaimed as a truth of the Catholic faith your preservation from every stain of sin in anticipation of the death and Resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ.

Immaculate Virgin! 
Your spotless spiritual beauty is for us a living source of confidence and hope. 
To have you as Mother, Holy Virgin, reassures us on the path of life as a pledge of eternal salvation. 
Because of this, O Mary, we have recourse to you with confidence. Help us to build a world where human life is always cherished and defended, every form of violence banished, the peace of all tenaciously sought.

Immaculate Virgin! 
In this Year of the Eucharist, grant that we may celebrate and adore with renewed faith and ardent love 
the holy mystery of the Body and Blood of Christ. At your school, O Woman of the Eucharist, teach us to remember the marvels that God never ceases to work in human hearts. With motherly tenderness, Virgin Mary, guide our steps always on the path of good.

Amen.

Prayer of Saint John Paul II in front of the statue of the Immaculate Conception, on 8 December 2004, on the closing of the 150 years of Dogma.