The Bread of the Lord is missing in many towns.
You know poverty and you lived it.
We harm the souls of poor people to be happy.
But it eases the bodies’ misery
and starts from the hearts of so many
men the selfishness that impoverishes.
Lady of those who pilgrim:
We are the People of God in America.
We are the Church that journeys towards Easter.
May the bishops have a father’s heart.
May priests be the friends of God for men.
May religious people show the anticipated joy of the Kingdom of Heaven.
May the laity be witnesses to the world of the risen Lord.
And may we walk together with all men and women,
sharing their anguish and hopes.
May the people of America move towards progress
along the paths of peace in justice.
Our Lady of America:
illuminate our hope,
alleviates our poverty,
pilgrim with us, towards the Father.
So be it.
+ Cardinal Eduardo Pironio