‘For Permanent Record

 

The reason why successive Popes have always approved and as far as possible have promoted devotion to the Most Blessed Virgin, our Mother, is clear to anyone who seriously considers he greatness before God, whose Mother she is; her greatness before men, whose Patroness she has become; her sublime holiness, which is an example and an encouragement to us her children; and the power of her intercession with her adorable Son, the ruler of all.

 

That is why, on being asked by our reverend Brother, Edward Rapallo, Bishop of Gibraltar, officially to approve Our Blessed Lady as the Principal Patroness of the Diocese of Gibraltar, under the title of Our Lady of Europe, which is the name by which the clergy and faithful invoke her there with his approval, I most gladly accede to this request, for I myself am very keen to promote our heavenly Mother’s honour.

 

I therefore approve what the Sacred Congregation for the Evangelisation of People had decided in this connection, and I declare that the Blessed Virgin, the Mother of Christ, be held to be the Principal Patroness of the Diocese of Gibraltar and be invoked with the title ‘Our Lady of Europe’, towards whom the faithful are drawn with very special devotion.

 

Her patronage under this title will enjoy all the rights and privileges envisaged by liturgical law, all things to the contrary notwithstanding.  I avail myself to this opportunity to invoke the Divine Mother and ask her kindly to protect the people whose welfare is her very special concern. 

 

Given at Rome, at St. Peter’s, under the Ring of the Fisherman, on the 31^st May in the year 1979, the first year of my Pontificate.’

 

Authenticated and signed by Cardinal Agostino Casaroli, Prefect of the Council For Public Affairs of The Church.