On All Saints Day "We Are All Going to Another Life"VATICAN CITY, NOV. 3, 2011 (Zenit.org).

Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave Tuesday, the feast of All Saints, before and after praying the midday Angelus with those who had gathered in St. Peter's Square.

“…We entrust to the Virgin Mary, Queen of All Saints, our pilgrimage to our heavenly homeland, while we invoke her intercession for our deceased brothers and sisters. …”

Pope's Homily at Mass for Deceased Prelates "Christ's Death Is the Font of Life, for Into It God Poured All of His Love" VATICAN CITY, NOV. 3, 2011 (Zenit.org).

Here is a translation of the homily Benedict XVI gave today when he celebrated Mass for the cardinals and bishops who have died this year.

“…And, through the intercession of Mary Most Holy, let us pray that this mystery of communion, which filled their whole existence, be fully realized in each one of them.”

NEW AMBASSADOR OF COTE D'IVOIRE TO HOLY SEE VATICAN CITY, 4 NOV 2011 (VIS)

This morning in the Vatican, Benedict XVI received the Letters of Credence of Joseph Tebah-Klah, the new ambassador of Cote d'Ivoire to the Holy See.

“…In closing the Holy Father called for the Virgin Mary to intercede, that the Lord might pour His abundant blessings upon the people of Cote d'Ivoire.”

On Hope in Life "If We Remove God, We Remove Christ and the World Falls Back Into Emptiness and Darkness" VATICAN CITY, NOV. 7, 2011 (Zenit.org).

Here is a L'Osservatore Romano translation of the address Benedict XVI gave Sunday before and after praying the midday Angelus with those gathered in St. Peter's Square.

“…Let us ask Mary, Sedes Sapientiae, to teach us true wisdom, the wisdom that became flesh in Jesus. He is the Way that leads from this life to God, to the Eternal One. He enabled us to know the Father's face, and thus gave us hope full of love. This is why the Church addresses the Mother of the Lord with these words: "Vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra" [our life, our sweetness and our hope]. Let us learn from her to live and die in the hope that never disappoints. …”

“Our thoughts today cannot but turn to the city of Genoa, harshly affected by floods. …May the Madonna della Guardia sustain the beloved Genoese people in their solidarity and commitment to overcoming this trial. …”

Papal Reflection on Priesthood to Open Academic Year "As Priests, the One Legitimate Ascent ... Is Not That of Success But That of the Cross" VATICAN CITY, NOV. 7, 2011 (Zenit.org).

Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave last Friday evening when he presided overs Vespers for the opening of the academic year in pontifical universities.

"…May the Lord grant all of you, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, "Sedes Sapientiae," a profitable academic year. Amen."

On Psalm 119, the Acrostic Psalm "Wholly Pervaded by Love for God's Word" VATICAN CITY, NOV. 9, 2011 (Zenit.org).

Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave at today's general audience.

“….The psalmist's faithfulness is born of listening to the Word, of keeping it in his inmost heart, of meditating on it and loving it -- like Mary, who "kept all these things, pondering ... in her heart" the words that had been spoken to her and the wondrous events wherein God revealed Himself and asked her assent of faith (cf. Luke 2:19,51). And if our psalm begins in its first verses by proclaiming "blessed" "those who walk in the law of the Lord" (Verse 1b) and "who keep His testimonies" (Verse 2a), it is again the Virgin Mary who brings to completion the perfect figure of the believer described by the psalmist. She, in fact, is the truly "blessed" one, and was declared so by Elizabeth, for she "believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord" (Luke 1:45). And it is to her and to her faith that Jesus Himself gives testimony when, to the woman who cried out "blessed is the womb that bore you," He responds: "Blessed rather are those who hear the Word of God and keep it!" (Luke 11:27-28). Certainly, Mary is blessed because she carried the Savior in her womb, but she is blessed above all for having welcomed the announcement of God, for having been the attentive and loving keeper of His Word.

….And may Mary, who welcomed and gave birth to the Word, be for us a guide and comfort, the star who points out the way of happiness. ….”

[The Holy Father then greeted the people in several languages. In English, he said:]

“… In praying this Psalm, Christians see in the Blessed Virgin Mary the model of this loving docility to God's will, and in Jesus the fulfilment of the Law. …”

Papal Message to Ecuador Family Conference "Society Is Not a Mere Sum of Individuals, But the Result of Relationships" VATICAN CITY, NOV. 11, 2011 (Zenit.org). .

Here is a translation of the message Benedict XVI sent to the 2nd National Family Congress in Ecuador, which concludes Saturday.

“…I entrust the fruits of this conference to the powerful intercession of Our Lady of the Presentation of Quinche, heavenly patroness of Ecuador, …”

On the Talents Entrusted Us by God "It Would be Foolish to Presume That These Gifts Are an Entitlement" VATICAN CITY, NOV. 14, 2011 (Zenit.org).

Here is the L'Osservatore Romano translation of the address Benedict XVI gave Sunday before and after praying the midday Angelus.

“…May the Virgin Mary teach us active and joyful watchfulness on our journey toward the encounter with God. …

[In French] …May Our Lady of Africa accompany and sustain the efforts of all who are working for reconciliation, justice and peace with my blessing!"

Pope on Stem Cell Research "It Is Tempting for Scientists and Policy-Makers to Brush Aside Ethical Objections" VATICAN CITY, NOV. 14, 2011 (Zenit.org).

Here is the text of an address Benedict XVI gave Saturday to participants in an international conference on stem cell research, which was held at the Vatican.

“…Dear friends, as I conclude my remarks, I want to assure you of a special remembrance in prayer and I commend to the intercession of Mary, Salus Infirmorum, all of you who work so hard to bring healing and hope to those who suffer. …”

Papal Address at Cotonou Cathedral "God, Our Father, Redirects Us ... for He Does Not Wish Us to Be Lost" COTONOU, Benin, NOV. 18, 2011 (Zenit.org).

Here is a Vatican translation of the address Benedict XVI delivered today at the cathedral of Cotonou.

“…The ancient hymn, the Te Deum, which we have just sung, expresses our praise to the thrice-holy God who gathers us in this beautiful Cathedral of Our Lady of Mercy. …

The Virgin Mary experienced to the highest degree the mystery of divine love: "His mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation" (Lk 1:50), she exclaimed in her Magnificat. By her yes to the call of God, she contributed to the manifestation of divine love in the midst of humanity. In this sense, she is the Mother of Mercy by her participation in the mission of her Son: she has received the privilege of being our helper always and everywhere. "By her manifold intercession, she continues to procure the gifts which assure our eternal salvation. By her motherly love, she cares for her Son’s sisters and brothers who still journey on earth surrounded by dangers and difficulties, until they are led into their blessed home" (Lumen Gentium, 62). Under the shelter of her mercy, deadened hearts are healed, the snares of the devil are thwarted and enemies are reconciled. In Mary, we have not only a model of perfection, but also one who helps us to realize communion with God and with our brothers and sisters. As Mother of Mercy, she is a sure guide to the disciples of her son who wish to be of service to justice, to reconciliation and to peace. She shows us, with simplicity and with a mother’s heart, the one Light and Truth: her Son, Jesus Christ who leads humanity to its full realization in the Father. Let us not be afraid to invoke, with confidence, her who ceaselessly dispenses to her children abundant divine graces:

O Mother of Mercy,
We salute you, Mother of the Redeemer;
We salute you, Glorious Virgin;
We salute you, our Queen!
O Queen of Hope,
Show us the face of your divine Son;
Guide us along the way of holiness;
Give us the joy of those who say Yes to God!
O Queen of Peace,
Fulfil the most noble aspirations of the young people of Africa;
Fill the hearts of those who thirst for justice, for peace and for reconciliation;
Fulfil the hopes of children, victims of hunger and of war!
O Queen of Peace,
Obtain for us a filial and fraternal love;
Grant that we may be friends of the poor and the little ones;
Obtain for the peoples of the earth a spirit of brotherhood!
Our Lady of Africa,
Obtain from your divine Son healing for the sick, consolation for the afflicted, pardon for sinners;
Intercede for Africa before your divine Son,
And obtain for all of humanity salvation and peace!
Amen.

 POST-SYNODAL APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION AFRICAE MUNUS

“…35. … In this way, men and women mature in faith and communion, demonstrating courage in the truth and in self-denial, enlightened by joy. Thus they bear prophetic witness to a life consistent with their faith. They have a model in Mary, Mother of the Church, who welcomed the word of God: by listening to that word, she was able to understand our needs and to intercede for us in her compassion. …

175. … May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Word of God and Our Lady of Africa, continue to accompany the whole Church by her intercession and her invitation to do whatever her Son tells us (cf. Jn 2:5)! May the prayers of Mary, Queen of Peace, whose heart is always inclined to God’s will, sustain every effort at conversion; may she consolidate every initiative of reconciliation and strengthen every endeavour for peace in a world which hungers and thirsts for justice (cf. Mt 5:6).”

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Benedict XVI's Greeting on the Christian Vocations: To Priests, Seminarians, Religious and Laity: "Have an Authentic and Living Faith" COTONOU, Benin, NOV. 19, 2011 (Zenit.org).

Here is a Vatican translation of the address Benedict XVI delivered today in Benin at a meeting with priests, seminarians, religious and lay faithful.

"…As a token of my spiritual and paternal closeness, and entrusting you to the Virgin Mary, I invoke upon all of you, your families, the young and the sick, an abundance of divine blessings…" 

Pope's Address to Bishops of Benin "The Scriptures Must Have a Central Place in the Life of the Church and of Each Christian" COTONOU, Benin, NOV. 20, 2011 (Zenit.org).

Here is a Vatican translation of the address Benedict XVI delivered Saturday evening to the bishops of Benin.

“…I entrust all of your dioceses, as well as you and your episcopal ministry, to the Virgin Mary, Our lady of Africa. May she watch over the people of Benin! …”

Benedict XVI's Explanation of Prayer for Children "The Day of My First Holy Communion Was One of the Most Beautiful Days of My Life" COTONOU, Benin, NOV. 20, 2011 (Zenit.org).

Here is a Vatican translation of the address Benedict XVI delivered Saturday evening in Benin when he visited St. Rita's Parish, and spoke to the children there.

“…May the Virgin Mary, his Mother, teach you to love more and more through prayer, forgiveness and charity. I entrust you to her, together with your families and teachers. Look! I have this rosary in my pocket. The rosary is like a tool that we can use to pray. It is easy to pray the rosary. Maybe you know how already; if not, ask your parents to help you to learn how. At the end of this meeting, each one of you will receive a rosary. When you hold it in your hand, I would ask you to pray for the Pope, for the Church and for every important intention. And now, before I bless you all with great affection, let us pray together a Hail Mary for children throughout the world, especially for those who are sick, who are hungry and in places of war. Let us pray together: Hail Mary,...”

On a New Chapter in Africa "May We Never Cease to Be Amazed Before the Gift of Life!" COTONOU, Benin, NOV. 20, 2011 (Zenit.org).

Here is a Vatican translation of Benedict XVI's message before praying the midday Angelus today in Benin.

“…At the conclusion of this solemn Eucharistic celebration, having been made one in Christ, let us turn with confidence to his Mother and pray the Angelus. Now that I have consigned the Apostolic Exhortation Africae Munus, I wish to entrust to the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Africa, the new chapter now opening for the Church on this continent, asking her to accompany the future evangelization of Africa as a whole and, in particular, of this land of Benin.

Mary joyfully accepted the Lord's invitation to become the Mother of Jesus. May she show us how to respond to the mission which God entrusts to us today! Mary is that earthly woman who received the privilege of becoming the Mother of the Saviour of the world. Who better than she knows the value and beauty of human life? May we never cease to be amazed before the gift of life! Who better than she knows our needs as men and women who are still pilgrims on this earth? At the foot of the Cross, united to her crucified Son, she is the Mother of Hope. This hope enables us to take up our daily lives with the power bestowed by the truth which is made known in Jesus. 

 Dear Brothers and Sisters of Africa, this land which sheltered the Holy Family, may you continue to cultivate Christian family values. At a time when so many families are separated, in exile, grief-stricken as a result of unending conflicts, may you be artisans of reconciliation and hope. With Mary, Our Lady of the Magnificat, may you always abide in joy. May this joy remain deep within the hearts of your families and your countries!

In the words of the Angelus, let us now turn to our beloved Mother. Before her let us place the intentions of our hearts. Let us now pray to her for Africa and for the whole world.”

Benedict XVI's Farewell to Benin "Why Should an African Country Not Show the Rest of the World the Path to Be Taken" COTONOU, Benin, NOV. 20, 2011 (Zenit.org).

Here is a Vatican translation of Benedict XVI's final message in Benin before his return flight to Rome.

“…May God bless you all, through the intercession of Our Lady of Africa. …“

Pontiff Reports That Africa Has a Freshness of Hope: Dedicates General Audience to Benin Trip VATICAN CITY, NOV. 23, 2011 (Zenit.org).

Benedict XVI dedicated today's general audience to a review of his weekend trip to Benin, …"

“…I laid the fruits of the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops at the feet of the Holy Virgin, who in Benin is especially venerated in the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception of Ouidah. Modeled on Mary, the Church in Africa welcomed the Good News of the Gospel and gave birth to many peoples of faith. ….

To Mary, Mother of the Church and Our Lady of Africa, I entrust all those whom I had occasion to meet during my unforgettable Apostolic Journey. To her I commend the Church in Africa. May the maternal intercession of Mary “whose heart is always inclined to God’s will, sustain every effort at conversion; may she consolidate every initiative of reconciliation and strengthen every endeavour for peace in a world which hungers and thirsts for justice” (Africae munus, 175).”

[The Holy Father then greeted pilgrims in several languages. In English, he said:]

“…I ask you to join me in commending all Christ’s followers in Africa to the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Africa, so that by their witness of fidelity to God’s word, their commitment to the spread of the Gospel and their efforts to build communion, peace and solidarity they can become protagonists of a new season of hope for that great Continent. …”

On the Master of the World "Hearts Are Reawakened to the Expectation of Christ's Return" VATICAN CITY, NOV. 28, 2011 (Zenit.org).

Here is a L'Osservatore Romano translation of Benedict XVI's address Sunday before and after praying the midday Angelus with crowds in St. Peter's Square.

“…With the Virgin Mary, who guides us on our Advent journey, let us make the words of the prophet our own. "Lord, you are our father; we are the clay and you our potter: we are all the work of your hands." (Is 64:7)…”

Papal Address to New York Bishops "We Ourselves Are the First to Need Re-evangelization" VATICAN CITY, NOV. 28, 2011 (Zenit.org).

Here is the text of the address Benedict XVI gave Saturday to a group of U.S. bishops who are in Rome for their five-yearly "ad limina" visits.

“…With the confidence born of faith, and with great affection, I offer you these words of encouragement and willingly commend you and the clergy, religious and lay faithful of your Dioceses to the intercession of Mary Immaculate, Patroness of the United States. …”

Papal Address to Student Group on Ecology "Respect for the Human Being and Respect for Nature Are One" VATICAN CITY, NOV. 28, 2011 (Zenit.org).

Here is a Vatican Radio translation of Benedict XVI's address today to a foundation called "Sister Nature."

“…Dear friends, we entrust these thoughts and aspirations to the Virgin Mary, Mother of all humanity. As we have just entered the season of Advent, may she accompany us and lead us to recognize in Christ the center of the universe, the light that enlightens every man and every creature. …”

Pope's Address to Pontifical Council for the Laity "God Is Known Through Men and Women Who Know Him" VATICAN CITY, NOV. 29, 2011 (Zenit.org).

Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave Friday to the Pontifical Council for the Laity during its 35th plenary assembly.

“…In this I entrust you to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of all peoples, and from my heart I impart to you and your loved ones the apostolic blessing. …”