During the month of May, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Vatican Museums organizes tours of the Papal Gardens dedicated to Marian spirituality every Wednesday and Saturday.
Written by Paolo Ondalza
“The only way to stop war is forgiveness!”
The message of the Virgin Mary is both devastating and clear. Throughout history, she has shown mankind the plan of salvation. For example, at Fatima, she appeared to three shepherd children and told them of her true “plan of peace,” calling the world to pray, turn to the Gospel, and consecrate themselves to the Immaculate Heart. Ta.
prayer for peace
These words are as important as ever when considering the state of the world today.
The Pope has always emphasized the importance and power of prayers for peace. The Vatican Museums’ May with Mary initiative, held every Wednesday and Saturday, gives visitors the opportunity to wander around and soak in the beauty of the various statues of Mary on display in the Vatican Gardens.
Wednesday and Saturday
“In Marian Month,” explains Sister Emanuela Edwards, “on Wednesdays, pilgrims are invited to join us after the Papal Audience for the opening of a special garden in honor of Our Lady. , visitors can take advantage of this pilgrimage on Saturday mornings, which are traditionally dedicated to Mary.
Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican Gardens
queen of peace
“May with Mary includes visits to 10 of the most important statues and icons of Our Lady. It reminds us of the Decade of the Rosary. Therefore, at a time when there is a lot of tension in the world, With each statue of Mary, we pray for peace in the world. There are 27 different statues of the Virgin Mary in the garden, which can rightly be described as the “Queen of Peace.” ”And it is right to pray for world peace in this way.
Pope’s prayer
The statues of Mary featured on the “May with Mary” tour are connected to the devotion of those who turned to Our Lady to inspire peace during times of war. Regarding Our Lady of Fatima and the Ukraine conflict, Sister Emanuela recalls: “Pope Francis, following the appeal of Fatima, consecrated the cause of peace to the Queen of Peace. We said the same prayer in front of Our Lady of Fatima in communion with the Pope’s intentions.
Our Lady of Mercy in the Vatican Gardens
Compassion: The path to lasting peace
Walking through the Vatican Gardens, you can come across another example of Marian intercession for peace. It is Our Lady of Mercy made by Renata Minuto at the entrance of Leo his XIII chalet.
“The Virgin appeared to the peasant Antonio Botta in 1536. At that time, Savona was engaged in a war with the Genoese Republic. This is what Mary looked like,” says the Vatican Museums Education. The activities director recalls: Bringing peace to both sides, urging them to exercise mercy instead of justice, and putting an end to conflicts.
Our Mother appears as Our Lady of Mercy and teaches us how to have lasting peace. This is what she wants us to remember in this day and age of war-torn world. The only way to stop war is forgiveness! ”
Virgin of the Guard in the Vatican Gardens
Spirituality in the Vatican Gardens
Nature, fountains, ancient artifacts, and statues of the Virgin and saints contribute to what can be defined as the “spirituality of the Vatican gardens,” an expression of the prayers and contemplation that Peter’s successors valued and practiced. It’s a shelter.
“In this beautiful place, Popes such as John Paul II and Benedict Made from recycled materials, Luján is a reminder that nothing is lost, nothing is thrown away, and that everything has meaning in God’s mighty work. I’ll give it to you. In a sense, this garden can be said to reflect the teachings of the Pope. It also leaves us with an important message. ”
vatican gardens
Click here to join us on tour in May.
Families with children or people with sensory, motor or intellectual disabilities can take advantage of special services by emailing education.musei@scv.va.
vatican gardens
