Rome, Italy, Oct 23, 2013 / 03:09 am
In his weekly general audience, the Pope continued his catechesis on the Church, reflecting today on the importance of Mary as an example of how to respond to God's plan with fidelity.
"She is also a model of union with Christ, be it in her daily duties, be it in the way of the Cross, until she unites herself with Him in the martyrdom of the heart."
Pope Francis directed the words of his Oct. 23 general audience to the nearly 100,000 pilgrims gathered in Saint Peter's Square.
"Dear Brothers and Sisters: In our continuing catechesis on the Church, we now look to the Virgin Mary who, as the Second Vatican Council reminds us, is 'the model of the Church in the order of faith, charity and perfect union with Christ,'" the Pope stated, quoting Vatican Council document "Lumen Gentium."