Saturday, December 02, 2017

The Holy Father in Bangladesh

A Shrine dedicated to the Virgin of Pompeii at Raja Rampur, 
on the outskirts of Dinajpur, in Bangladesh, is a place of dialogue between religions.

The Holy Father dedicated his address to the prayers of the Most Holy Rosary.

In the church of the Holy Rosary, the Pope spoke to encourage the faith of the priests and religious of Bangladesh recommending devotion to the Holy Rosary.  It is a beautiful summons.
Christ’s compassion. The rosary draws us into a meditation on the passion and death of Jesus. By entering more deeply into these sorrowful mysteries, we come to know their saving power and are confirmed in our call to share it by our lives of com-passion and self-giving. Priesthood and religious life are not a career. They are not a vehicle for personal advancement. They are a service, a share in Christ’s own sacrificial love for his flock. By conforming ourselves daily to that we love, we come to appreciate that our lives are not our own. It is no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us (cf. Gal 2:20). - RV
I read an article on the Pope's visit at Zenit, which highlighted the shrine seen in the photo at top.  Even Muslims venerate this image of Our Lady, as the article points out:

“The devotion of Bangladeshis, Catholics, and Muslims, for the Virgin Mary has increased over time, and I am sure that, little by little, we will be able to promote meetings, collaborations, dialogue initiatives. The Virgin Mary can smooth the difficulties and obstacles put by men,” continued the priest.
Raja Rampuris is a prized destination to entrust oneself to the “Mother of God,” whose image is displayed also in Muslims’ homes and before which women, kneeling on a mat, pray calling her “Maryam.” - Zenit

I'm so happy the Holy Father's Apostolic visit was so successful.  It is reassuring to have the Successor of Peter confirm the Church in faith.

Today we get so caught up and distracted by those who spread fear and mistrust, those alarmed by the corruption of politicians and media personalities, and most especially those who speculate and warn about the 'apostasy' and the end times, as well as a Muslim invasion.  Perhaps they read too many articles from The Remnant or 1P5 and their thinking may be muddled?  They seem to be like those who love luxury, money, power and prestige.  Yet we have a humble Pope who confirms the faith of the powerless and weakest, and shows us the way of holiness, the conduct necessary in the dark night of faith, encouraging the prayers of the Holy Rosary as a means "to be more attentive to the Lord in prayer, meditating on his word and seeking to discern his will."

"The rosary fills us with joy in Christ’s triumph over death, his ascension to the right hand of the Father and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon our world. The whole of our ministry is directed to proclaiming the joy of the Gospel." - Pope Francis 

2 comments:

  1. A beautiful shrine to Our Lady. Interesting dedicated to OL of Pompeii. What is the history of that particular devotion?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The shrine in Bangladesh was found by an Italian priest - the story of the shrine and devotion in Italy can be found here:
      https://www.ewtn.com/library/MARY/CBPOMPEI.HTM

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