At the end of the Mass he celebrated in New Delhi
on Sunday, 7 November, the Holy Father led the recitation of the Angelus,
which he introduced with a brief meditation on Our Lady. Here is the text of
his reflection, which was given in English.
At the end of this Eucharistic celebration, we turn with confidence to Mary,
Mother of God. Two thousand years ago the Blessed Virgin gave birth to the
incarnate Word on Asian soil. Today, Mary continues to cooperate in the birth
and growth of divine life in the souls of the baptized. In their daily lives,
may the Church's sons and daughters follow the example of Mary, imitating her
ability to discern God's will in every circumstance; her total self-offering
in love; her boundless fidelity and tireless devotion; her strength, capable
of bearing the greatest sorrows; her capacity always to speak words of support
and encouragement. To you, Mother of the Church, we entrust the results of the
Special Assembly for Asia of the Synod of Bishops: lead the Church in
Asia in the joyful proclamation of faith in Jesus Christ our Saviour, and in
generous service to the peoples of this continent. To you, Model of Holiness,
we entrust the clergy, the consecrated men and women, and the laity of the
Church in Asia: renew and sustain them in a spirit of zeal and in their
commitment to the great task of evangelization and service. To you, Mirror of
Justice, we entrust those responsible for the destiny of this continent:
may they seek tirelessly the common good, and work for the true spiritual and
material development of the peoples of this continent. To you, Mother of
Mercy, we entrust the poor, the needy and the suffering: teach us to be
one in spirit with them, in order to serve them as our brothers and sisters.
To you, Mother of the Redeemer, we entrust the young people of Asia: to
them the Church offers the truth of the Gospel as a joyful and liberating
message, and asks them to use their freshness and enthusiasm, their spirit of
solidarity and hope as peacemakers in a divided world. Mary, Mother of the New
Creation, pray for us, your children, now and always! God bless you all. From
this land which preserves the mortal remains of Mother Teresa of Calcutta,
show to the whole Church that you never forget her witness of evangelical
love, especially towards the poorest of the poor. Mother Tersesa loves India;
she is with the people of India forever.
(ŠL'Osservatore Romano - 10 November 1999)
