"The tears shed" by the Virgin "at the foot of the Cross have turned into a smile that nothing will wipe away now, although her motherly mercy for us will not change. The rescuing action of the Virgin in the course of history is evidence of that and never stops arousing in God’s people an unshakeable confidence in her". It was said this morning by Benedict XVI in the Eucharistic celebration in front of the basilica of Lourdes, on the day of Our Lady of the Sorrows. A day on which the Last Rites are administered to the sick. "Mary’s smile added the Pope is for everyone: however, it is specially directed to those who suffer, so that they can find consolation and relief in it". Looking for Mary’s smile, then, "is not a matter of devout or outmoded sentimentalism; it is instead the right expression of the lively, deeply human relationship that binds us to Her, whom Christ gave us as a Mother". After all, "here in Lourdes, during the apparition of March 3rd 1858", Mary showed to Bernadette "first of all her smile, as if this were the most appropriate access to the revelation of her mystery". In Lourdes, Benedict XVI could not help speaking of suffering. (continued)
