FRANCISCO in MEXICO, Mass at Guadalupe by Josefina Martínez •
I am very happy to have this opportunity to relate my encounter I had with the Holy Father.
Everything was a gift from God and the Blessed Mother. I was able to enter the Basilica of Guadalupe’s atrium for the Mass the Holy Father celebrated there on Saturday, 13 February.
I did not have a ticket to enter, and had ardently prayed to the Blessed Mother that she would give me the blessing to attend. The previous day, I not only received a ticket, I received three, so I was able to go with two nieces and have this beautiful experience with these little people who I love very much.
We arrived at the Basilica at 11:00 am, after going through six security checkpoints. The atmosphere among those of us who were there was that of fraternity and of fellowship. We helped each other, we extended our hand, and we shared snacks and water. Fraternal love was felt among us. We sang, and we practiced slogans while we waited for the Pope’s arrival.
I imagined that it was like being in Jesus’ time
When we saw him enter a little before 5:00 pm, the emotion was overwhelming. We cried upon seeing him, and felt his gaze and his blessing. I imagined that it was like during Jesus’ time, and waiting for him, listening to his sermons, and feeling that gaze filled with love that shows us God’s face.
God’s presence was truly felt among us. The Mass was beautiful, and for me, to receive communion on that day was very special. I truly felt Jesus embracing my family and me. Moreover, I placed everyone I love, those I do not love, those who I do not like and those who do not like me in the hands of Our Lady of Guadalupe, our beloved Blessed Mother, whose presence was also felt at every moment.
It was an enormous blessing to be there. I am truly one of God’s and Our Lady of Guadalupe’s pampered ones!
