PORTUGAL, P. Miguel Lencastre. Although three days have passed, I am writing this with great feeling. Our beloved Pope Benedict XVI has overshadowed our country. In Lisbon, Fatima, and Porto the cities he visited, he conquered the entire world and the places where the Eucharist was celebrated were always filled to capacity. He received ovations and was acclaimed by everyone.
In Fatima he was greeted by 500,000 pilgrims and by another150, 000 in Porto and Lisbon. In Fatima he was greeted by 500,000 pilgrims and by another150, 000 in Porto and Lisbon, which exceeded the most optimistic estimates even in his direct contact with the people. He stopped the pope mobile several times to hold children in his arms caressing them and kissing them. The reality exceeded everything. At the age of 83, I don’t know where he got strength. It was a great blessing for our country and certainly for all the Church. He was precise and timely in the subjects that he discussed in his homilies and talks.
Just imagine on May 13th in Fatima, an enormous double rainbow appeared moments before the beginning of the Holy Mass. The bright colors remained for a long while amazing half a million pilgrims.
It was one more gift from God that made the symbol of his Covenant with his people shine over the Altar of the World, giving a sign of hope in difficult times that have threatened the Church, society, and our beloved Pope Benedict XVI.
I was there from the 11th to the 13th. I met priests from our community including Father Grass, a priest from the Swiss Community and a contemporary of mine, who contributed to the founding of Schoenstatt in Portugal. More than one thousand priests, fifty-two Bishops and Cardinals of several nationalities were present.
Upon his return to the Vatican he expressed his gratitude with emotion for the extraordinary welcome that he received in our country
The ecclesiastic and governmental authorities understood each other and collaborated very well; in their own manner each one manifested their support of the Holy Father. Radio and TV contributed with broad coverage. The four days, which the Holy Father spent with us, passed very quickly.
He returned to Rome very touched by the many signs of friendship and affection, while leaving many memories for others; any reservations were totally forgotten. In general everyone was happy with his attitude and his statements. Upon his return to the Vatican, he emotionally expressed gratitude for the extraordinary welcome that he received in our country. May God grant him many years of life with perfect health and clarity of spirit, so that he can continue to lead Peter’s boat with a firm hand! Ya en el Vaticano agradeció emocionado el extraordinario acogimiento que había recibido de nuestro país. Que Dios le conceda muchos años de vida con perfecta salud y lucidez de espíritu para que continúe dirigiendo con mano firme la barca de Pedro.
Translation: Celina Garza, San Antonio, USA
