The 25th International Congress of Notre Dame was held online from September 8th to 11th. Pope Francis sent a letter to the participants, emphasizing that the mother of Jesus urged us to build a world of fraternity, where everyone who has been abandoned will have A place.
(Vatican News Network) Maria is “the mother of everyone, regardless of race or nationality.” She “is a reference point for a culture that can overcome obstacles, and these obstacles create divisions.” Therefore, “in this journey of brotherhood and friendship, the Holy Spirit calls us to re-accept the signs of comfort and hope that will be fulfilled. It has Mary’s name, face, and heart. Mary is a disciple, mother, and friend.”
Pope Francis expressed the above thoughts to the participants of the 25th International Congress of Notre Dame. This conference was held online for the first time from September 8th to 11th. About 300 representatives of the Notre Dame Society and scholars from all over the world exchanged ideas. The topic of discussion was “Maria in Theology and Culture Today: Style, communication, vision”. The conference was organized by the Pontifical International College of Notre Dame and presided over by Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, Chairman of the Holy See Cultural Council, in the name of the Pope.
In his letter, Pope Francis emphasized that this meeting was held in a different way than before, and he shared the joy of the participants. However, the Pope also stated, “Don’t let us forget the silent shouts of many brothers and sisters with joy. Their extreme plight is aggravated by the epidemic”. The Pope pointed out that “the true joy from the Lord always makes room for the voice of the neglected, because only with them can we build a better future”. “In following the beauty of the gospel and serving the commonweal of mankind and the earth, Maria often teaches to listen to these voices. She herself is the voice of the silent.”
The Pope also mentioned that the Pontifical International College of Notre Dame has always provided “opportunities, intuitions, ideas and insights” in a rapidly changing era through more than 60 years of activities. The Pope reiterated his words in his letter to the academy on December 4, 2019, stating that Notre Dame is “a necessary presence of cultural dialogue that can foster brotherhood and peace.” Indeed, Maria has a unique presence in the marginal area, and we are in the “Maria’s Age”. The Pontifical International College of Notre Dame “maintains its renewed commitment and strives to interpret the signs of the times for the benefit of the church and every kindhearted man and woman”.
Finally, the Pope mentioned the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI, emphasizing that “the mystery in Mary’s heart is the mystery of the incarnation of the word of God.” The Holy Word nourishes “the ardent salute of the people”, which is exactly “naturally” based on the Virgin Mary.
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