(ANS – Castel Gandolfo) – As is by now a well-established tradition, the Pope celebrated Mass for the Assumption at Castel Gandolfo. But there was no lack of novel aspects to it this year: it was the first time, in fact, for Pope Francis, that he has celebrated mass in Piazza della Libertà (Freedom Square), and in fact in the St Thomas of Villanova Parish. The Pope visited the parish, entrusted to the Salesians, in the early afternoon.

There were many faith yesterday in the main Square of Castel Gandolfo, and they had come to listen to words of hope from Pope Francis. These were not lacking: “The Mother of Christ and the Church is with us always. Always: she is walking alongside us. She is with us. ... Naturally, she has entered once and for all into heavenly Glory. But this does not mean that she is far from us, detached from us; indeed she accompanies us, struggles with us, sustains Christians in their struggle against evil”.

After the celebration and reciting the Angelus, Pope Francis greeted the faithful and once again reinforced their hope by sending a tweet for the occasions: “Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners and guide us to the way that leads to Heaven”.

In the afternoon, visiting the parish entrusted to the Salesians, the Holy Father was accompanied by the  Bishop Marcello Semeraro of Albano, the Rector Major, Don Pascual Chávez and his Vicar, Fr Adrian Bregolin. A video of the brief visit is also available from TV2000, Italian Catholic TV.

Published 16/08/2013