VATICAN CITY, SEPT. 13, 2007 (Zenit.org).- The newly dedicated chapel in the Palace of the Governorate of Vatican City calls for the sanctification of families by offering the example of the Holy Family.
This is explained by the decree of dedication, signed by the archpriest of St. Peter’s and vicar general of the Pope for Vatican City, Archbishop Angelo Comastri.
The chapel is dedicated to Mary, Mother of the Family, and was dedicated on Wednesday by the Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone.
The documents appeals for the protection of Mary, Mother of the Family, and expresses the hope that the chapel "revive in those who come to pray, a love for the Most Holy Virgin, mother of God and our mother, and confirm in them especially the intention to sanctify their families in light of the example of the Holy Family of Nazareth."
During the homily of the dedication Mass, Archbishop Comastri highlighted the irreplaceable role of the family as God desired, reported Vatican Radio.
He explained: "God chooses daily life. God chooses the simple life. God chooses the life of the home and in a home, the symbol of the unquestionable role of the family, he accomplishes the greatest mystery of all time: The Son of God is made man and has parents like each one of us.
"Evidently with the choice of Nazareth, God reminds us that the family is the privileged place where God is manifested.
"The family is a place in which God wants to be born in order to be present in our midst and he wants to continually be reborn so that each one of us can meet him and in that meeting have a sense of life."
A challenge
The Church's mission is to promote the family, the prelate said, since the life of each person is marked by his family, for good or for bad.
"I think it was a true inspiration to dedicate this image of Our Lady to Mary, Mother of the Family," he concluded. "Today I believe that only the Church can launch the challenge of the family to the world, the true family."
Benedict XVI's visited the chapel last May 31, and blessed the recently-restored image of Our Lady by Francesco Melanzio located on the main altar.
That day, the Holy Father met with the large group of people who work in the various offices of Vatican City State.
He told them: "The presence of the Church in the midst of your offices … reminds you each day of the paternal gaze of God who, in his providence, follows you and cares for each one of you.
"May prayer, the faithful dialogue with the Lord, and participation, even during the week, in the celebration of the Divine Sacrifice that unites us to Christ the Savior, be the secret and the strength of your days and support your always, especially in difficult times."
ZE07091309 - 2007-09-13