Pope: African Synod Entrusted to Our Lady of the Rosary

'Unite with me in entrusting this important event in the life of the Church to the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Rosary'.

VATICAN CITY (Zenit.org) - Pope Benedict XVI entrusted the synod on Africa under way at the Vatican to Our Lady of the Rosary.

Noting Wednesday's feast of this devotion to the Virgin Mary and the work of the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops, the Pope asked the faithful: "Unite with me in entrusting this important event in the life of the Church to the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Rosary.

"Through the ministry of the Church may the people of Africa recover the paths that lead to reconciliation, justice and peace."

The Holy Father also spoke of the rosary in his traditional greeting to youth, the sick and newlyweds. He affirmed that the rosary is a prayer that is important for himself, as it was for previous popes.

He said: "Today the Church honors Our Lady of the Rosary, liturgical memorial that gives me the opportunity to confirm the importance of praying the rosary, a prayer so dear also to my venerated predecessors.

"I recommend it to you, dear young people, so that it will help you to do God's will and to find in the Immaculate Heart of Mary a safe refuge.

"May it make you, dear sick people, feel the comfort of our heavenly Mother, because with her you will be able to face moments of trial."

Finally, the Bishop of Rome urged newlyweds to pray the rosary every day.

"Dear newlyweds," he said, "may the recitation of this prayer be for you a daily appointment for your family which will thus grow, thanks to the intercession of Mary, in unity and fidelity to the Gospel."