Parishioners touch the statue of the Immaculate Heart of Mary following the national consecration in a church in Manila. ( Photo: Yen Ocampo)
MANILA, June 8, 2013—Pope Francis assured Filipinos of his spiritual closeness and prayers as Catholic leaders led the national consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary in all cathedrals, parishes, shrines and chapels throughout the country at 10 am today.
“The Holy Father unites himself spiritually with you on this important occasion, praying that the Most Pure Heart of our Blessed Mother Mary may inspire all Filipinos to devote themselves through her, to Jesus her divine Son,” said a letter from the Vatican’s Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.
Bertone said the Holy Father is hoping the Filipinos’ devotion to Mary may lead them to appreciate and respect more the value of life in all its stages.
“He hopes that devotion to Mary’s Immaculate Heart, beating in unison with that of her unborn child, may inspire an ever greater appreciation and attention to all human life, from conception through natural death, and lead to greater service to the poorest and the weakest, those who are closest to God himself,” part of the message read.
Addressed to Archbishop Jose Palma, president of Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, the pope’s message was relayed through the Apostolic nuncio Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto. (CBCPNews)
