On Friday, May 1, Italian bishops will entrust their country to the Blessed Mother's protection. The decision came after the president of the Italian bishops' conference, Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti received 300 letters with this petition.
CARD. GUALTIERO BASSETTI
President, Italian Bishops' Conference
“I received more than 300 letters, full of love and devotion for the Blessed Mother. They wrote, 'Why don't you dedicate our nation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary?'”
Card. Bassetti listened. The dedication will take place in Bergamo, the epicenter of Italy's coronavirus pandemic. It will be at the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fonte, dedicated to Our Lady of Caravaggio.
The bishops will especially entrust those affected by COVID-19 to Our Lady.
CARD. GUALTIERO BASSETTI
President, Italian Bishops' Conference
“All the people suffering from this pandemic. All those working in the hospitals, who are taking care of others. They wrote, 'Why don't you entrust all them to Mary?'”
May is the month the Church dedicates to Mary and the rosary. May 1 is also the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, patron of all workers, fathers, expectant mothers and families.
Melissa Butz