A PRAYER OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

1. "Hail Mary, full of grace!" Immaculate Virgin, here I am at your feet once again, full of devotion and gratitude. I return to this historic Piazza di Spagna on the solemn day of your feast to pray for the beloved city of Rome, for the Church, for the whole world. In you, "humble and highest of creatures", divine grace had the full victory over evil. You are for us, pilgrims on the paths of the world, the bright model of evangelical fidelity and the ever-living pledge of sure hope. 2. Virgin Mother, "Salvation of the Roman People!" Watch over, I pray you, the beloved Diocese of Rome:  over pastors and faithful, parishes and religious communities. Watch over families especially:  may love sealed by the Sacrament ever reign between spouses, may children walk on the paths of goodness and true freedom, may the elderly feel surrounded by attention and affection. Inspire, Mary, in so many young hearts, generous replies to the "call for the mission", a subject on which the diocese has been reflecting over the years. Thanks to an intense pastoral program for vocations, may Rome be enriched by new young forces, dedicated with enthusiasm to proclaiming the Gospel in the city and in the world. 3. Blessed Virgin, Queen of Apostles! Assist those who through study and prayer are preparing to labor on the many frontiers of the new evangelization. Today I entrust to you, in a special way, the community of the Pontifical Urban College, whose historic headquarters are located in front of this pillar. May this wonderful institution founded 375 years ago by Pope Urban VIII for the formation of missionaries, be able to continue effectively its ecclesial service. May those it gathers, seminarians and priests, men and women religious and laity, be ready to put their energies at the disposition of Christ in service of the Gospel to the far corners of the globe. 4. "Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!" Pray, O Mother, for all of us. Pray for humanity for those who suffers poverty and injustice, violence and hatred, terror and war. Help us to contemplate with the rosary the mysteries of Him who "is our peace", so that we will all feel involved in a persevering dedication of service to peace. Look with special attention upon the land in which you gave birth to Jesus, a land that you loved together with Him, and that is still so sorely tried today. Pray for us, Mother of hope! "Give us days of peace, watch over our way. Let us see your Son as we rejoice in heaven". Amen! Prayer by Pope John Paul II on the Second Sunday of Advent, 8 December 2002 . Given at Piazza di Spagna