Washington D.C., Nov 18, 2019 / 14:30 pm
Mary unites all of God's children, sparking conversions among those of different faiths, said Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco on Saturday, Nov. 16.
The archbishop pointed to Mary as a force for conversion and unity among different peoples at the first-ever Mass of the Americas in the Extraordinary Form, held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
"This Mass we celebrate today, the 'Mass of the Americas,' speaks profoundly to the power of our Mother to unite her children," said Cordileone in his homily. "She stands there in every generation of the Church, interceding to her Son for her children, actively leading them to him, united as one in him."
The Mass of the Americas is a "twinned tribute" to both Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. It was commissioned by the Benedict XVI Institute for Sacred Music and Divine Worship, and was first celebrated Dec. 8, 2018, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Since its debut, it has gone on a "Marian unity tour" throughout North America, which included a stop in Washington, DC.