5386(I)_Pope Francis and Mary Help of Christians
May 25, 2020
Vatican, the world, 24 May 2020 -- After the usual Regina Coeli on Ascension Sunday (7th Sunday of Easter - 24 May) Pope Francis shared a longer list of items connected to Mary Help of Christians.
The video of Pope Francis Regina Coeli talk on the Vatican YouTube channel
* minute 3:00 - 7:40 Ascension Solemnity short homily - Without life witness we can't proclaim the Gospel of Jesus
* minute 7:40 - 9:10 Regina Coeli and Pope's Blessing
* minute 9:10 - 11:00 Entrusting to Mary Help of Christians all who work in these difficult times for peace, for the poor and for creation
* minute 11:35 - 12:10 World Communication Day focus on narrative - invitation to share good stories that foster awareness about one human family
* minute 12:10 - 12 On the Day of Mary Help of Christians Pope Francis send the affectionate and cordial greetings to all Salesians (SDB - FMA), saying that 'I remember with gratitude the spiritual formation received from the sons of Don Bosco'
* minute 12:30 Greetings to the 'Acerra - Napoli region (apostolic trip scheduled for today, but postponed due to the pandemic)
* minute 13:25 -14:40 Fifth anniversary of the Encyclical Laudato Si is also the start of a Special Laudato Si Year (May 24, 2020 - May 24,2021) Inviting all people of good will to offer a special 'Laudato Si Year' prayer.
Pope Francis' special prayer and blessing for China Catholics:
"Let us unite ourselves spiritually with the Catholic faithful in China, who celebrate today, with particular devotion, the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of Christians and Patroness of China, venerated in the Sheshan Shrine in Shanghai,” the Pope said. “We entrust the Pastors and faithful of the Catholic Church in that great country to the guidance and protection of our Heavenly Mother, may they be strong in faith and firm in fraternal union, joyful witnesses, and promoters of fraternal charity and hope and good citizens.
“Dearest Catholic brothers and sisters in China, I want to assure you that the universal Church, of which you are an integral part, shares your hopes and supports you in the trials of life. She accompanies you with prayer for a new effusion of the Holy Spirit so that the light and beauty of the Gospel can shine in you, power of God for the salvation of anyone who believes.
“In expressing to all of you once again my great and sincere affection, I impart to you a special Apostolic Blessing.
May Our Lady protect you always!”
Benedict XVI wrote to a letter to the Catholics in China, signed by the Pope on May 27 2007, the solemnity of Pentecost. In that letter, Benedict also assured Chinese Catholics of the closeness of the Church and praised their faithfulness to Christ. Full text of the prayer
Prayer for the Laudato Si' Year (2020-2021)
Loving God,
Creator of Heaven, Earth, and all therein contained.
Open our minds and touch our hearts,
so that we can be part of Creation, your gift.
Be present to those in need in these difficult times,
especially the poorest and most vulnerable.
Help us to show creative solidarity
as we confront the consequences of the global pandemic.
Make us courageous in embracing
the changes required to seek the common good.
Now more than ever, may we all feel interconnected and interdependent.
Enable us to succeed in listening and responding
to the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor.
May their current sufferings become the birth-pangs
of a more fraternal and sustainable world.
We pray through Christ our Lord,
under the loving gaze of Mary Help of Christians,
Amen.
Related resources: Francis and Don Bosco (ed. 2014)
