January 6, 2023, Solemnity of the Epiphany of Our Lord, Holy Rosary (Sorrowful Mysteries) | In Memoriam Pope Benedict XVI

Friends of the Rosary:

In various regions and countries, today is the Solemnity of the Epiphany of Our Lord. In the United States and other places, this solemnity is assigned to this Sunday.

On this day, we also reflect on the legacy of Pope Benedict XVI, whose funeral mass was celebrated in St. Peter Square, in Rome, yesterday.

Particularly, we’d like to highlight his devotion to the Rosary. He recited it each morning and used to contemplate with Mary the face of Christ. He was buried with his Rosary in hands.

In a general audience at St Peter’s Square on May 1, 2006, Pope Benedict XVI said:

• “The Rosary is the prayer of the Christian who advances in the pilgrimage of faith, in the following of Jesus, preceded by Mary.”

• “We desire to welcome the Virgin’s maternal request, committing ourselves to say the rosary with faith for peace in our families, in countries, and in the whole world.”

• “The rosary is a means given by the Virgin for contemplating Jesus and, meditating on his life, for loving and following him always more faithfully.”

• “Dear young people, I invite you to value this traditional Marian prayer which helps us to understand better the central moments of salvation realized by Christ.

• “Dear sick people, I exhort you to turn with confidence to the Virgin, through this exercise of piety, entrusting all your needs to her.”

• “Newlyweds, make the praying of the rosary in the family a moment of spiritual growth under the maternal gaze of the Virgin Mary.”

Ave Maria!
Jesus, I Trust In You!