Never stray from the Mother

Never stray from the Mother and never abandon the Rosary: these were the exhortations given by Pope Francis at the closing of the 100th anniversary of the Marian apparitions in Fatima (Portugal) on October 13, 2017.

In a video message transmitted to the pilgrims gathered at the Cova da Iria and published by L'Osservatore Romano the following day, the Pope recalled his visit to Fatima on May 12-13, 2017, for the 100th anniversary of the first apparition: "I still keep in my heart the memory of that trip and the blessings that Our Lady granted to me and to the Church during those days."

"Never be afraid," the Pope added, "God is better than all our misery and he loves us very much. Keep moving forward, never stray from the Mother: like a child who stays close to his mother and feels safe, so we too, at Our Lady's side, feel very safe. She is our sure protection." 

The Pope then reached in his pockets and took out a rosary, recommending: "Never abandon the Rosary. Recite the Rosary, as she asked."

Taken from: Infocatho