Pope Francis Expresses Gratitude to the Virgin Mary at Basilica of St. Mary Major
In a heartfelt gesture of appreciation, Pope Francis returned to the Basilica of St. Mary Major to offer a prayer of gratitude to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Pope sought the Virgin Mary’s protection during his recent Apostolic Journey to Mongolia. This visit served as a significant bookend to the Pope’s travels abroad, as he had also visited the Basilica before departing, seeking the intercession of Our Lady for a safe and fruitful journey.
According to the Holy See Press Office, Pope Francis made a special stop at the Basilica on Monday after returning from his eventful trip to Mongolia. It was a fitting conclusion to his time abroad, a moment to acknowledge how the Blessed Virgin Mary had safeguarded him along his journey. An ancient Roman icon of the Virgin Mary, a cherished artifact within the Basilica, became the focal point of the Pope’s expression of gratitude.
As a token of affection, Pope Francis tenderly placed a beautiful bouquet of flowers below the revered icon on the altar. This particular bouquet had been gifted to him by a young Mongolian lady just before he boarded the papal plane in Ulaanbaatar. The flowers symbolized the profound gratitude of the Mongolian people for the Pope’s visit and his impactful words during his time in their country.
With the bouquet in hand, Pope Francis prayed for the individuals he encountered during his visit to Mongolia, bringing their hopes, dreams, and concerns to the Virgin Mary. It was a poignant moment, where the Pope’s prayers encompassed not just his own intentions but also those of the Mongolian people.
This act of gratitude and prayer at the Basilica of St. Mary Major highlighted Pope Francis’ deep devotion to the Virgin Mary. It emphasized his belief in the power of intercessory prayer and the significance of seeking the protection and guidance of the Blessed Mother. The Pope’s visit to the Basilica provided a moment of reflection and spiritual connection after an eventful journey, encapsulating the essence of his historic trip to Mongolia.
The Pope’s actions resonated with his followers worldwide, as they witnessed his humility and unwavering faith. His visit to the Basilica of St. Mary Major truly demonstrated the Pope’s sincere appreciation for the protection and guidance he received from the Virgin Mary during his Apostolic Journey to Mongolia. It serves as a reminder for all believers to turn to the Blessed Mother in times of need and express gratitude for her intercession.
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