Cardinal Bertone praises Marian devotion of Latin America

Vatican City, Oct 2, 2006 / 22:00 pm

In a message sent to the participants of the Latin American Meeting on Marian Pastoral Ministry, which concluded this past Sunday in Mexico, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone praised the profound Marian piety of Latin America and expressed the prayers of Pope Benedict XVI that Mary watch over the region.

In his message, the Secretary of State recalled that “these beloved lands are sprinkled with distinguished shrines and places dedicated to the Most Holy Virgin Mary, under diverse advocations, to which hundreds come on pilgrimage to express their affection, implore her help and consolation in the difficulties of life or feel her protection more closely in personal, family and societal ups and downs.”

“Mary is certainly deeply present in the hearts of people of any social standing,” the message continued, “and this is evidence of a profound religious sense, to which the Church is called to pay special pastoral attention.”

"Mary has guided and continues to guide all her children to Jesus, as she did at the wedding of Cana when she said to the dejected servants: 'Do whatever he tells you'" (John 2:5)," Cardinal Bertone said.

The Vatican Secretary of State concluded by communicating Benedict XVI’s wishes that the meeting would result "in a more profound awareness of what it means to be true disciples of Christ and witnesses of his Gospel."