Queen of Peace for a continent of conflict

From the Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe

Sacred Scripture: John 14:27

Meditation for Day 6

The Americas have been marked by violence, division, and injustice. To them Mary comes as Queen of Peace. The peace she brings is the peace of her Son, who said, 'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you' (Jn 14:27).

In his prayer at the Basilica, St. John Paul II begged: 'Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, Queen of Peace! Save the nations and peoples of this continent.' Today's prayer asks her to put an end to violence, terrorism, and the exploitation of the weak, and to teach all peoples to live in true freedom.

Daily Novena Prayer (recited every day)

Prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe (St. John Paul II, 1999)

Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, Queen of Peace! Save the nations and peoples of this continent. Teach everyone, political leaders and citizens, to live in true freedom and to act according to the requirements of justice and respect for human rights, so that peace may thus be established once and for all. To you, O Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of Jesus and our Mother, belong all the love, honour, glory and endless praise of your American sons and daughters!

From the prayer St. John Paul II addressed to Our Lady of Guadalupe at the conclusion of his homily at the Basilica of Guadalupe, Mexico City, January 23, 1999. Recited each of the nine days.