It is the morning of February 28th, 2001, in Rome, a few days after the pontifical approval of the Heralds of the Gospel. More than one thousand members of the Association have gathered in the city, and they will never forget this moment. On this occasion, they hear from the very lips of the successor of Peter, who speaks to them in Portuguese, these words of encouragement.
In fact, the Holy See had granted this pontifical approval only six days earlier. On February 22, 2001, Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, it erected the Heralds of the Gospel as an International Association of Christ’s Faithful of Pontifical Right. As a result, they became the first association of the faithful approved in the third millennium.
The words of Saint John Paul II after the pontifical approval
I greet in a special way the large group from the International Association of the Faithful of Pontifical Right, Heralds of the Gospel. By being faithful to the Church and to its Magisterium, may you remain united to your pastors and courageously proclaim Our Lord Jesus Christ throughout the world. Be messengers of the Gospel through the intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. I give you my apostolic blessing. Praised be Our Lord Jesus ChristSaint John Paul II, General Audience, Rome, February 28, 2001
You can read the original Portuguese text of this greeting on the Vatican website.
Greetings and the crowning of Our Lady
At the end of the public audience, Saint John Paul II received greetings from two leaders of the newly approved Association. They were the General President, João Scognamiglio Clá Dias, and the Head Representative in Rome, José Francisco Hernández Medina.
Immediately afterwards, Saint John Paul II crowned the beautiful statue of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. He also blessed the shrine that has since travelled on pilgrimage to homes throughout the world.
