Pope Leo XIV Celebrates Mass in Genazzano
On the vigil of the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Leo XIV is set to celebrate Mass at the Shrine of the Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano, a medieval Italian town located approximately 40 kilo…
On the vigil of the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Leo XIV is set to celebrate Mass at the Shrine of the Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano, a medieval Italian town located approximately 40 kilometers from Rome.
The atmosphere in Genazzano was filled with joyful anticipation as the community awaited the arrival of Pope Leo XIV, expected at 4:30 p.m. in the Piazzale della Pace. Following his arrival, the Pope will travel to the shrine in the popemobile, blessing those gathered along his route. Upon reaching the shrine, he will be welcomed by local authorities, the Augustinian community, and Bishop Mauro Parmeggiani of the Dioceses of Tivoli and Palestrina.
Prior to the Mass, a painting by Marco Innocenzi will be unveiled, depicting Pope Leo in profile, kneeling and gazing towards the icon of Our Lady. This artwork will be housed in a chapel that features portraits of the Popes who have visited Genazzano in the past, including notable figures such as Urban VIII and Saint John Paul II, who both expressed their devotion to the Mother of Good Counsel during their own visits.
Archbishop Giovanni Peragine of Shkodër-Pult will travel from Albania to concelebrate the Mass with the Pope. Tradition holds that the revered image of the Mother of Good Counsel was miraculously transported from Shkodër to Genazzano in 1467 by angels, contributing to the town's significance for many Albanian believers who invoke the Virgin under the title "Lady of Albania."
The Mass will feature a special moment when Pope Leo will present a Golden Rose to the Mother of Good Counsel. The rose's base will bear the coats of arms of the shrine and significant historical Papal figures, emphasizing the lasting connection between the papacy and the shrine. Additionally, he will receive an ex ossibus relic of Blessed Stefano Bellesini, an Augustinian and former parish priest of Genazzano, underscoring the local community's historical ties to the Church.
Bishop Mauro Parmeggiani remarked on the occasion as a "great celebration, a family celebration," highlighting the gift of the shrine to the community and encouraging unity in faith as they draw closer to the Pope. He stated, "Our Lady points to Christ as the path to follow and the destination to be reached, despite our imperfections and difficulties."
Fr. Ludovico Centra, Rector of the Basilica Shrine, recalled Pope Leo's devotion to Mary dating back to his years in Chicago, noting that he would urge everyone to entrust themselves to her guidance. He emphasized that Pope Leo “will surely entrust us to Mary so that we may continue to listen to her and do the will of her Son.” The Pope’s visit and subsequent Mass at the shrine reinforce the rich tradition associated with the Mother of Good Counsel and highlight the role of Mary in guiding the faithful toward Christ.
