.- After a recent papal Mass commemorating Latin America, Cardinal Raymundo Damasceno Assis of Aparecida, Brazil entrusted the future of the continent to Our Lady of Guadalupe.
“We pray that Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Patroness of America, will guide our countries always down the path of democracy, truth, justice and peace,” Cardinal Damasceno, head of the Brazilian bishops' conference, told CNA on Dec. 12.
The cardinal made his remarks after joining Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera of Mexico City at a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe marking the bicentennials of countries in Latin America.
“I was very honored by the invitation to concelebrate with the Holy Father at a time like this,” he said. “It was a very moving celebration.”
Cardinal Damasceno also noted his excitement about about World Youth Day 2013, which will take place in Rio de Janeiro.
“The cross and the icon of the Virgin Mary are currently on pilgrimage in all of the 276 dioceses and are being warmly received,” he said of local celebrations preceding the global youth event.
“We hope the event will be a great success for Brazil, for the world and especially for young people,” he added.
