Pope Leo XIV presided over First Vespers on the vigil of the Patronal Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii at Domus Australia
Newsroom (07/10/2025, Gaudium Press ) In a heartfelt celebration steeped in devotion, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV presided over First Vespers on the vigil of the Patronal Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii at Domus Australia, the Australian Catholic pilgrimage center in Rome. The evening, marked by solemnity and joy, included a special blessing of the newly restored image of Our Lady of Pompeii, a cherished gift from Blessed Bartolo Longo, soon to be canonized. The event drew the Australian Catholic community, pilgrims, and local faithful, united in honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary during this Jubilee Year of Hope.
In his homily, Pope Leo XIV reflected deeply on the theological virtue of hope, embodied perfectly by Mary, the Mother of God. “Mary lived in abandonment to God’s will, trusting that he would save his people according to his design,” the Holy Father said, emphasizing her unwavering fidelity. He drew a parallel between Mary’s trust and the challenges of modern life, noting, “God never delays, we are the ones who have to learn to trust, even if it requires patience and perseverance. God’s timing is always perfect.”
Quoting Saint Paul, the Pope highlighted the fulfillment of God’s promise in Christ: “When the appointed time came, God sent his Son to redeem the subjects of the law.” He underscored that Christ’s mission was not only to liberate humanity from sin but to empower each person to say “yes” to God, as Mary did. This call to cooperation with divine grace resonated strongly in the context of the Jubilee Year, which invites the faithful to renew their hope in God’s salvific plan.
The Holy Father also referenced Saint Augustine, stating, “God created us without us, but he will not save us without us.” This reminder of personal responsibility in salvation history struck a chord with the congregation, as Pope Leo XIV urged them to live as children of grace, trusting in God’s will despite life’s uncertainties.
As the assembly prepared to chant the Magnificat, the Pope invited reflection on Mary’s role as the “true Daughter of Zion,” who rejoiced in God’s faithfulness to Abraham and his descendants. He expressed his hope that the restored image of Our Lady of Pompeii would inspire deeper devotion among the Domus Australia community and its visitors, fostering a renewed commitment to serve the Church.
The evening concluded with a prayer that the Holy Spirit would strengthen the faithful in their mission, bearing “fruit that will last.” For those present, Pope Leo XIV’s words were a stirring call to emulate Mary’s hope and trust, a fitting tribute to the legacy of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from vatican.va
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