According to Benedict XVI, "prolonged suffering breaks up the best-established balances of a life, disrupts the soundest certainties of confidence and can eventually lead one to despair of the meaning and value of life. There are fights that man cannot carry on alone, without the help of God’s grace". Then, a suggestion. "I would like to humbly say to those who suffer and to those who fight and are tempted to turn their back to life: turn to Mary! The Virgin’s smile mysteriously contains the strength to continue the fight against the disease and for life" or, "likewise, the grace to accept without fear or bitterness one’s taking leave of this world, at the time wanted by God". "Looking for the Virgin’s smile is not mere childishness", it is the inspiration of those who acknowledge "their own weakness and meanness in front of God. In that very simple expression of tenderness that smile is, we perceive that our only asset is the love that God has for us and that passes through the heart of the one who has become our Mother". (continued)
