Marian prayer for the end of May

At 8:00pm tonight in the Vatican gardens, the traditional procession took place, including the recitation of the Holy Rosary, at the conclusion of the month of Mary.  Beginning at the church of Saint Stephen of the Abyssinians, the procession passed through the apse of Saint Peter's Basilica and continued to the grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes.

At 9:00pm, the Holy Father arrived at the Grotto of Lourdes, and before imparting his Apostolic Blessing, he shared a few words with those who were present.

Address of the Holy Father, Pope Francis

at the Grotto of Lourdes in the Vatican Gardens

We have prayed to Our Lady, we have sung so many of her titles ...

Today, at the end of the month of Mary, we celebrate the feast in which we recall the visit that she had with Saint Elizabeth.  The gospel says that, after the angel's Annunciation, she went with haste, she didn't waste her time, she went immediately to serve.  She is the Virgin of readiness, Our Lady of readiness.  She is always ready to come to our aid when we pray to her, when we ask for her help, for her protection.  In the many moments of our lives when we need her help, her protection, we remind you that you never have to wait: she is Our Lady of readiness; go now to serve.