The prayer marathon that involves 30 Marian shrines around the world began today in the Vatican Basilica. Francis entrusted “the minds” of scientists to the Virgin, asking her to bring comfort to “those who are lost and weeping for their dead loved ones”.
Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Entrusting into Mary's hands “the whole of humanity, severely tested by the pandemic” is, according to Pope Francis, the purpose of the prayer marathon that began this afternoon in St Peter's Basilica.
Some 30 Marian shrines are involved all over the world with each taking the lead in the Rosary prayer every day. For the 30 shrines, the Pope blessed rosaries at the end of the prayer.
The marathon, whose theme is “Prayer by the Church was fervently being made to God” (Acts 12:5), will be concluded by Pope Francis on May 31.
Pope Francis arrived at the Gregorian Chapel in the Vatican Basilica just before 6 pm, and laid a bouquet of flowers in front of the ancient image of Our Lady of Succour (Our Lady of Perpetual Help).
The pontiff entrusted to Mary the sick, the dead, the tired families, doctors, nurses and priests, the front-line workers in the fight against the pandemic, the volunteers and those who, with a smile or a good word, provide help to those who suffer as well as those, “especially women who have experienced violence” during this period.
To the Virgin, the Pope also entrusted “the minds” of scientists and asked her to comfort “those who are lost and weeping for their dead loved ones.”
The Pontifical Council for the New Evangelisation is promoting the initiative, following the Pope's request.
A hundred people were present today in the Gregorian Chapel, some of whom, including two children, recited the decades of the Marian prayer.