Vatican City (AsiaNews) - In his brief address before the Angelus, the Holy Father focused on the topic of peace - 1 January is World Day of Peace - and on Mary Mother of God, whose liturgical solemnity is celebrated today.
As the pontiff's first Angelus of 2015 ended, the 'Maria Dolens' bell from Rovereto (Trento, Italy) rang out. Blessed by Pope Paul VI in 1965, the bell honours "the Fallen of all Wars".
As he drew the attention of the tens of thousands of pilgrims gathered in St Peter's Square to its tolling, Francis said, "Let it be a sign of hope that there be no more wars, that there always be a desire and a commitment to peace and brotherhood among peoples."
As he expressed his Best Wishes for a Happy New Year "to everyone," the pope added, "Let it be a year of peace in the embrace of the Lord's tenderness and the maternal protection of Mary, Mother of God and our Mother."
On this occasion, as he did during the Mass celebrated earlier in the basilica, the pope called on those present to proclaim "all together, three times, loudly: 'Holy Mother of God!' [. . .] To her," he said, "we ask to lay the mantle of your maternal protection on us and for every day of the New Year."
"At the start of a new year," he went on to say, "we should remember the day of our Baptism. Let us rediscover the gift received in the Sacrament that regenerated us to a new life: divine life. And that, through Mother Church, which is modelled on Mother Mary. Through the Baptism, we have been brought into communion with God. We are no longer at the mercy of evil and sin, but receive the love, tenderness, and mercy of the heavenly Father."
Addressing the pilgrims directly, the pope asked them how many could remember the date of their baptism. Since so few could, he gave them as "homework" the task of finding out "with the help of parents, godparents, uncles, etc." the date of their baptism because "that is a day to celebrate, to thank God for the gift of baptism."
Turning to the issue of peace, Francis took his cue from some banners in the square. Two in particular, drew his attention: "Peace is always possible" and "Prayer is the root of peace."
"No longer slaves, but brothers and sisters," he said citing his message for the World Day of Peace, "touches us all. We are all called to fight every form of slavery and build brotherhood: every one, each according to his or her responsibilities. Remember: 'peace is possible' and 'the root of peace is always in prayer'. Let us pray for peace!"
For the pontiff, a common thread links Mary's Motherhood, baptism and peace. "Baptism," he explained, "grafts us as living members to Christ and draws us into his Church." This happens "through the Mother Church, which is modelled on Mother Mary. . . . Such proximity of God to our existence gives us true peace, the divine gift that we implore especially today, World Day of Peace."