Never leave the Mother’s side

"Never go away from the Mother," and "never abandon the Rosary": these are the exhortations of Pope Francis at the closing of the 100^th anniversary of Marian apparitions in Fatima (Portugal) on October 13, 2017.

In a video message shown to pilgrims gathered at "Cova da Iria" and reported by L'Osservatore Romano the following day, the Pope recalled his visit to the Marian shrine on May 12th and 13th, for the centenary of the first apparition: "I still remember in my heart the journey and the blessing that the Virgin wanted to give to me and to the Church in those days."

"Never be afraid," the Pope also said, "God is better than all our misery and he loves us very much. Continue to go forward, never leave the Mother’s side: like a child near her mother feels safe, so we too, at the Virgin's side, feel very safe. She is our safeguard."

Then the Pope searched his pockets, pulling out a rosary, and recommended: "Never give up the Rosary! Recite the Rosary as she asked."

Zenit