Pope Leo XIV joined the Australian community for evening prayer at the Domus Australia Chapel in Rome on Monday. Source: CNA.
Before praying vespers with approximately 150 people, the Pope blessed a restored painting of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii that was gifted to the chapel by soon-to-be saint Bartolo Longo.
“Indeed, this devotion to our Blessed Mother holds a special place in my heart, so I am also happy to share this occasion with the Australian community,” Pope Leo said in a short homily.
“It is my hope that this image … will inspire an ever greater devotion to her among the residents of the Domus and those who visit as pilgrims, as well as the members of the local community,” he added.
In light of the Church’s jubilee year dedicated to the theological virtue of hope, Leo encouraged those praying with him on Monday to be inspired by the example of the Mother of God.
“Mary embodied that virtue through her trust that God would fulfill his promises,” he said. “This hope, in turn, gave her the strength and courage to spend her life willingly for the sake of the Gospel and abandon herself entirely to God’s will.”
In his homily, the Holy Father emphasised the significance of “daily fidelity” to God even though “we do not know what the future holds”.
“God never delays; we are the ones who have to learn to trust, even if it requires patience and perseverance. God’s timing is always perfect,” he said.
“God always comes to save and liberate us,” he added.
Before concluding vespers, Leo entrusted the Australian community living in Rome to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“As you venerate Our Lady of Pompeii at the Domus Australia, it is my prayer that you also will be strengthened by the Holy Spirit in your own service to the Lord and his Church, and that you may bear much fruit, fruit that will last,” he said.
FULL STORY
Pope Leo XIV joins Australian community in Rome for evening prayer (By Kristina Millare, CNA)
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