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ANGELUS
7 November 1999 New Delhi
At the end of this Eucharistic celebration,
we turn with confidence to Mary, Mother of God. Two thousand years ago the
Blessed Virgin gave birth to the incarnate Word on Asian soil. Today, Mary
continues to cooperate in the birth and growth of divine life in the souls of
the baptized. In their daily lives, may the Church’s sons and daughters
follow the example of Mary, imitating her ability to discern God’s will in
every circumstance; her total self-offering in love; her boundless fidelity
and tireless devotion; her strength, capable of bearing the greatest sorrows;
her capacity always to speak words of support and encouragement.
To you, Mother of the Church, we entrust the
results of the Special Assembly for Asia of the Synod of Bishops: lead the
Church in Asia in the joyful proclamation of faith in Jesus Christ our
Saviour, and in generous service to the peoples of this continent.
To you, Model of Holiness, we entrust the
clergy, the consecrated men and women, and the laity of the Church in Asia:
renew and sustain them in a spirit of zeal and in their commitment to the
great task of evangelization and service.
To you, Mirror of Justice, we entrust those
responsible for the destiny of this continent: may they seek tirelessly the
common good, and work for the true spiritual and material development of the
peoples of this continent.
To you, Mother of Mercy, we entrust the
poor, the needy and the suffering: teach us to be one in spirit with them, in
order to serve them as our brothers and sisters.
To you, Mother of the Redeemer, we entrust
the young people of Asia: to them the Church offers the truth of the Gospel as
a joyful and liberating message, and asks them to use their freshness and
enthusiasm, their spirit of solidarity and hope as peacemakers in a divided
world.
Mary, Mother of the New Creation, pray for us, your
children, now and always!
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