Vatican City, Dec 19, 2011 / 12:06 pm
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.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA