Pope calls for theological reflection on Virgin Mary to drive Year of Faith





September 10, 2012. (Romereports.com) Benedict XVI received the participants of the International Marian Congress. For one week, this group of Mariologists reflected on the evolution of theology on the Virgin Mary after Vatican II. The Pope asked them to help give more strength to the Christian faith.

BENEDICT XVI
“As you know, on October 11, to remember that extraordinary event, we will solemnly begin the Year of Faith, that I wanted to orient with the Motu Proprio 'Porta Fidei,' which presents Mary as a model of faith, I invoke your special protection and advocacy on the path of the Church entrusted in her, blessed because she believed, this time of grace.”

During the audience, the Pope recalled his own participation in the Second Vatican Council. He described how it was decided that the figure of the Virgin Mary would be studied in one of the main documents. While greeting the pope, some of the participants gave gifts to him, such as this image of the Virgin Mary and this wooden carving that carries the papal coat of arms.


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