Dec 10, 2007 / 08:46 am
Speaking on Saturday for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Pope Benedict XVI warned of consumerism's increasing spread among children.
He began his talk by first reflecting on Mary, whose being conceived without sin the Church was celebrating. “Looking at her we recognize the greatness and beauty of God's project for each human being: to become holy and immaculate in love, in the image of our Creator,” the Pope proclaimed.
"What a great gift it is to have Mary Immaculate for a mother," Benedict XVI rejoiced. "A mother resplendent in beauty and transparent to the love of God."
In contrast to this beauty and purity, the Holy Father turned to the young people of today who are, he said, "growing up in an atmosphere pervaded with messages that propose false models of happiness. These boys and girls risk losing hope because they often seem to be orphaned of that real love which fills life with meaning and joy," Pope Benedict warned.