An Act of Veneration

Shortly before 4:00pm today, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Holy Father, Pope Francis went to Piazza di Spagna for the traditional Act of veneration of the Immaculate Virgin.

Before returning to the Vatican, the Pope also went to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major where he stopped in prayer before the image of the Virgin, Salus Populi Romani.

Prayer of veneration composed by the Holy Father

recited during the Act of consecration to the Blessed Virgin

in the Piazza di Spagna

Virgin Mary,
on this feast day of your Immaculate Conception,
I come to present to you the homage of faith and love
of the holy people of God who live in this city and this diocese.
I come in the name of families, with their joys and trials;
of children and youth, open to life;
of the elderly, enriched by years of lived experience;
in a special way, I come to you
on behalf of the sick, the imprisoned,
all those who find the path difficult. 

As Pastor, I also come in the name of all those
who have arrived from distant lands in search of peace and of work.
Under your mantle there is space for everyone,
for you are the Mother of Mercy.
Your heart is filled with tenderness for all your children:
the tenderness of God, who through you took flesh
and became our brother, Jesus,
Saviour of all men and women. 

Looking to you, our Immaculate Mother,
we see the victory of divine Mercy
over sin and all its consequences;
and this rekindles within us the hope for a better life,
freed from slavery, resentment and fears. 

Today, here in the heart of Rome, we hear your motherly voice
that calls everyone to set out on the journey
toward the Door that represents Christ.
You say to us: Come, draw close in trust;enter and receive the gift of Mercy;do not be afraid, do not be ashamed:the Father is waiting with open armsto give you his forgiveness and to welcome you into his house.Everyone, come to the source of peace and joy. 

We thank you, Immaculate Mother,
for on this journey of reconciliation
you do not leave us alone, but you accompany us,
you are close to us and you support us in every difficulty.
May you be blessed, O Mother, now and forever.  Amen.