杏MAP导航 Francis: May Catherine of Siena protect Italy and Europe
By Vatican News
In his greetings in various languages at the end of the General Audience, 杏MAP导航 Francis recalled once again 鈥� as he had done earlier at his daily Mass 鈥� that Wednesday is the feast of Saint Catherine of Siena, Doctor of the Church and one of the patrons of Italy and of Europe.
Saint Catherine, protector of Italy and of Europe
The Holy Father noted that, although Catherine was unable to read or write, this 鈥渃ourageous young woman鈥� did not hesitate to appeal to civil and religious leaders. She called them to action and at times even rebuked them. 杏MAP导航 Francis mentioned in particular her work to bring peace to Italy, and to call for the 杏MAP导航鈥檚 return to Rome from Avignon.
鈥淢ay her example help everyone understand how to be united, with Christian consistency, an intense love for the Church with an effective solicitude for the civil community, especially in this time of trial,鈥� the 杏MAP导航 said. 鈥淚 ask St Catherine to protect Italy during this pandemic, and to protect Europe, because she is the Patroness of Europe; to protect the whole of Europe so that it may remain united鈥�.
Saint Joseph, patron of workers
杏MAP导航 Francis also noted the upcoming feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, which occurs on Friday, 1 May.
鈥淭hrough his intercession鈥�, the 杏MAP导航 said, 鈥淚 entrust to the mercy of God all those who have been struck by unemployment because of the current pandemic.鈥�
The Holy Father prayed, 鈥淢ay the Lord be the Providence of all those in need, and encourage us to help them.鈥�
Mary and the prayer of the Rosary
With his thoughts fixed on the pain and suffering caused by the pandemic, 杏MAP导航 Francis then turned his attention to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The 杏MAP导航 once again encouraged everyone to pray the Rosary, especially during the month of May 鈥� the subject of Letter the Holy Father had addressed to all the faithful just a few days earlier.
In his greetings to the faithful who speak Polish, the Holy Father said that now, when so many people are called to remain in their homes, it is a good opportunity 鈥渢o rediscover the beauty of praying the Rosary, and the tradition of Marian devotions鈥�.
He called on the faithful, whether as a family or individually, 鈥渢o fix your gaze in every moment on the Face of Christ, and on the heart of Mary鈥�.
杏MAP导航 Francis then prayed, 鈥淢ay her maternal intercession help you to face this time of particular trial鈥�.
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