Pope Francis has again lamented the suffering caused by the invasion of Ukraine and encouraged the faithful to pray a Rosary every day, especially this month, for peace. Speaking to the crowd in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, May 1st, the Holy Father said his thoughts went immediately to the city of Mariupol, the “city of Mary” which has been “barbarously bombed and destroyed. I suffer and weep, thinking of the suffering of the Ukrainian people and in particular of the weakest, the elderly, and children,” he said. “There are even terrible reports of children being expelled and deported.” He again called for safe humanitarian corridors for those trapped in the city.
The whole month of May has been traditionally dedicated to Our Lady, in large part because she teaches us to be open to what Jesus wants to do in our lives. She welcomed Jesus into her own life and gave Him to the world. How can that not be a wonderful example worth following? She herself invites us to be ready always to bring the gift of Jesus to others. So, in this month of Mary, as we pray for one another and for our world, let us do so not just because the Holy Father has requested it. Let’s all take some practical steps to deepen our devotion to Mary who still asks us to “do whatever He (Jesus) tells us.” (John 2, 1-12)
Let us pray. “Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, we fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, our Mother; to you do we come, before you we stand, sinful, sorrowful, and in need; O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not our petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer them. Amen.”
