INTRODUCTION OF JOHN PAUL II 
TO THE LITURGY OF THE MASS 
FOR THE FEAST OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN OF CZESTOCHOWA

Saturday, 25 August 2001

"When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman..." (Gal 4,4). This saving mystery, in which God has assigned to the woman Mary of Nazareth, a role that cannot be replaced, is continually made present in the Eucharist. When we celebrate Mass, in our midst is Mary Mother of the Son of God and she introduces us into the mystery of His Offering of redemption. In this way she becomes Mediatrix of the graces that flow for the Church and the faithful from this Offering.

Tomorrow we will celebrate the liturgical commemoration of Our Lady of Czestochowa. My thought goes to Jasna Góra, where for centuries the Black Madonna is venerated as the Mother and Queen of the Polish people. Again I entrust to her protection our country and all its citizens.

The memory of Our Lady of Czestochowa brings to mind the personality of her devoted servant, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski. This year the Church in Poland solemnly recalls the centenary of his birth. Today I will in a particular way to participate in these celebrations, thanking God for all the good I received from the extraordinary Primate of the Millennium.

I am happy to be able to offer my thanks together with the spiritual daughters of the Secular Institute of the Auxiliaries of Our Lady of the Bright Mountain, Mother of the Church. I cordially greet you and thank you because you continue the work of your father founder.

I greet everyone present and I entrust all of you to the protection of the Madonna of Jasna Góra.