Pope: Open the door to Our Lady

By Sr. Francine-Marie Cooper

Pope Francis has sent a video message to the Church in Termoli in the southern Italian region of Molise, where from April 27 to May 5, 2024, the statue of Our Lady of Fatima will be visiting the Parish of San Timoteo in the Diocese of Termoli-Larino.

In his message, released on Wednesday, the Holy Father spoke in a very cordial way to the people of Termoli, encouraging them to “open the door to Our Lady.”

Pope Francis described how Mary “is very polite, she doesn't burst in, no; knock-knock, she knocks on the door.” Yet, “Each one of you must answer,” he added, “she knocks on the door of your heart, your conscience, your home, your family.”

The Holy Father warned  believers to be careful about putting off the visit: “Not today, but tomorrow.” He urged them to respond: “Come in, Mother: You know better than I do the things I've done, the problems I have.”

He points out that Our Lady is “coming now. She will arrive by helicopter, but then she'll knock; with her presence, she knocks on the door of families, of homes – on the door of your hearts.”

Pope Francis concluded his message by conveying the Lord’s blessing and asking the people to pray for him.