Pope Francis: 'the Rosary is the prayer of my heart'

At the General Audience yesterday, Pope Francis reminded the faithful that the month of October is dedicated to the Rosary and invited all believers to recite the Marian prayer.

In a tweet, just a few days ago, on the day when the Church celebrates the feast of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary, the Pope said "the Rosary is the prayer that always accompanies my life: it is also the prayer of simple people and saints...it is the prayer of my heart."

At the conclusion of the weekly General Audience, he explained that the Rosary is "a synthesis of Divine Mercy": "With Mary, in the mysteries of the Rosary we contemplate the life of Jesus which irradiates the mercy of the Father. Let us rejoice in His love and forgiveness, let us recognize it in foreigners and in those who are needy, let us live His Gospel every day."

And greeting the young, the sick and a group of newlyweds, Pope Francis said: "May this simple Marian prayer show you, young people, the way to give life to God's will in your lives; dear sick people, love this prayer because it brings consolation for the mind and the heart; and dear newly wedded spouses, may it represent a privileged moment of spiritual intimacy within your new family."

Pope Francis gives all people he meets a Rosary. "Our Lady" he says, "is always close to Her children and ready to help when we pray to her, when we ask for her protection... let us remember she is always ready to serve and never keeps anyone waiting."

Source: Vatican Radio