Article: Roman Catholic Church And The Last Days

Here is a translation of the Holy Father's prayer to the Blessed Mother at the conclusion of the Mass celebrated in the island of Lampedusa this morning.

Oh Mary, star of the sea, once again we recourse to thee, to find refuge and sernity, to implore your protection and help. 

Mother of God and our Mother, turn your sweet gaze towards those who face the dangers of the sea everyday to guarantee their families the necessary sustenance for life, to protect the respect of creation, to serve peace between peoples. 

Protector of migrants and itinerants, assist with maternal care all men, women, and children who are forced to flee their lands in search of a future and of hope. May their meeting with us and our people not become a source of new and heavier slavery and humiliation. 

Mother of mercy, ask forgiveness for us who, blinded by selfishness, concerned by our interests and prisoners of our own fears, have become distracted towards the needs and sufferings of our brothers.