The Secretary of State of His Holiness emphasized presence, witness, and prayer as he celebrated Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City on August 5.
The Blessed Virgin Mary’s “presence brought comfort and security to a society that had experienced rapid and unexpected changes,” Cardinal Pietro Parolin preached. “Her apparition revealed a way to reconcile cultures and peoples within a truly universal faith, where there is neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free, but where all are united and are one.”
“Her example challenges us to be present, too, for the needy, the marginalized, migrants, and foreigners,” Cardinal Parolin continued. “A faithful witness to the truth of the Gospel can transform hearts and, consequently, transform the world.”
The prelate added that “each of us is invited to set aside time to open ourselves to the Lord and truly listen to the promptings of the heart. When the Lord speaks of giving us His peace, a peace the world cannot give, He speaks of something that is found only in prayer.”