inundado por um mistério de luz que é Deus e N´Ele vi e ouvi -A ponta da lança como chama que se desprende, toca o eixo da terra, – Ela estremece: montanhas, cidades, vilas e aldeias com os seus moradores são sepultados. - O mar, os rios e as nuvens saem dos seus limites, transbordam, inundam e arrastam consigo num redemoinho, moradias e gente em número que não se pode contar , é a purificação do mundo pelo pecado em que se mergulha. - O ódio, a ambição provocam a guerra destruidora! - Depois senti no palpitar acelerado do coração e no meu espírito o eco duma voz suave que dizia: – No tempo, uma só Fé, um só Batismo, uma só Igreja, Santa, Católica, Apostólica: - Na eternidade, o Céu! 
Pope Benedict reflected on Thursday's Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception in his Angelus address to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square. Speaking in Italian, the pope recalled how Our Lady was preserved from every stain of original sin and refers to the gospel account of the Annunciation where she is described by the angel Gabriel as "full of grace." He said this expression indicates God's marvellous work of love who wishes to regive us our life and freedom, lost through sin, through the figure of his only begotten Son. It's for this reason, Pope Benedict continued, that the Church in both the East and the West has since the second century invoked and celebrated the figure of the Blessed Virgin who by saying "Yes" brought Heaven closer to the Earth. He also reminded those present that later in the day he would be going to Rome's Spanish Steps to pay homage to Mary at the statue of Our Lady in the square, as is the tradtion on this date. After the Angelus, Pope Benedict also greeted English-speaking pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square. The following is the full text of his greeting in English:
"I am pleased to greet all the English-speaking visitors on this great feast-day when we honour the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In her sinless perfection, Mary is a great sign of hope for the Church and for the world, a sign of the marvels that God’s grace can accomplish in us, his human creatures. In these days of Advent, in company with the holy and immaculate Mother of God, let us prepare to welcome her Son into our lives and into our hearts. May God bestow his blessings of joy and peace upon all of you, and upon your families and loved ones at home."