Pope celebrates feast of Immaculate Conception with prayers for peace

Published: 2003-12-08

ROME (CNS) -- Blessing a basket of roses placed at the foot of a statue honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary and her immaculate conception, Pope John Paul II prayed for peace. "In these times marked by uncertainties and fears for the future fate of our planet," the pope said Catholics turned to Mary with trepidation, but also with trust. "Hear the cry of pain of the victims of the wars and many forms of violence which are bloodying the earth," the pope prayed Dec. 8. "Clear away the darkness of sadness and solitude, of hatred and vengeance," he continued. "Open the minds and hearts of all to trust and forgiveness." Surrounded by thousands of Romans and tourists at the Marian statue in a square near the Spanish Steps in the city center, the pope arrived in a plastic-topped popemobile, then was wheeled on a chair to the foot of the statue. The pope said the 2003 celebration of the feast of the Immaculate Conception marked the beginning of observances of the 150th anniversary of the solemn declaration of the dogma. On Dec. 8, 1854, Pope Pius IX proclaimed that Mary was conceived without original sin.

Copyright (c) 2003 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .