October 22

Our Lady of Kazan

Our Lady of Kazan

Mary had no fear

On 22 October 1978, when I inherited the Ministry of Peter in Rome, more than anything else, it was this experience and devotion to Mary in my native land which I carried with me. “Be not afraid!” Christ said to the apostles (cf. Lk 24:36) and to the women (cf. Mt 28:10) after the resurrection. According to the Gospel, these words were not addressed to Mary. Strong in her faith, she had no fear. Mary's participation in the victory of Christ became clear to me above all from the experience of my people. Pope John Paul II Be Not Afraid, p. 220

Ave Maria!