March 26, 2012. (Romereports.com) During his visit to Mexico, the Pope prayed the Vespers in the Cathedral of Leon. There, the Pope called on all
Latin American bishops to make the Church a 'seed of hope'.
“There is no reason, then, to give in to the despotism of evil," said Benedict XVI.
"Let us instead ask the risen Lord to manifest his power in our weakness and need.”
The Pope also called for unity and respect within the Church. He said the lay faithful who help with catechesis, liturgical animation, charity, and social commitments, should not be treated as second class citizens in the Church.
Bishops from all over Latin America were invited to take part in the celebration. In fact, the Pope asked them all, including the congregation to pray to Our Lady of Light, and ask for hope.
Benedict XVI
“For this reason, we invoke her frequently as “our hope” because she has shown us Jesus and passed down to us the great things which God constantly does for humanity. She does so simply, as a mother teaches her children at home.”
The Pope made reference to Mexico's rise in violence by saying that God's strength is stronger than evil.
Benedict XVI
“Human evil and ignorance simply cannot thwart the divine plan of salvation and redemption. Evil is simply incapable of that.”
After praying the Vespers, Benedict XVI inaugurated the lighting system that now illuminates the region's “Christ the King” monument. By pressing an electronic switch, the Pope lit up more than 100 lights placed around the symbolic monument.
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