FRANCIS IN MEXICO, by Maricarmen Cereceda •
When I found out that Pope Francis would arrive to Morelia, I made plans to go see him, since my son lives there and this would make things easier. I was fortunate to obtain tickets to be at the stadium, where he would be with the youths, and although I am elderly, I was enthusiastic to hear his message. That day I waited from 7:00 am, although I knew that he would arrive at 4:00 pm.
His Holiness’ message to the youths left me captivated, because he invited them to have hope, dignity, and to dream and to not allow anyone to take away their dreams
Being there, I imagined how it would be to be close to Jesus when he preached, and I asked myself if nowadays I would do the same if I were waiting for the Messiah’s arrival.
A personal response
I consider myself fortunate to have been so close to a Shepherd of Pope Francis’s quality that I committed during this Year of Mercy to get out of my comfort zone and go to the most needy, and not just remain in a religion of church and prayers.
I realized that if I was capable of going to Morelia, with all the preparations that the trip entailed and of standing all day waiting for the Pope’s arrival, why had I skimped on the time close to the tabernacle visiting Jesus himself, which is so close to my house, without having to make a long trip? I returned to my daily visit to the tabernacle, and to continue working for the least of my brothers/sisters, for those, who have not had my opportunities.
Complete text of Pope Francis’ speech at Morelia
Original: Spanish. Translation: Celina M. Garza, San Antonio, TX USA – Edited by: Melissa Peña-Janknegt, Elgin, TX USA
