COLOMBIA/VATICAN, editorial team •
In two months, Pope Francis will land in Colombia. The Colombian Bishops’ Conference set up a website [Spanish only] so that the faithful all around the world can follow his travels. The page already contains all of the information pertaining to his apostolic visit.
From 6 to 10 September, Pope Francis will visit Bogotá, Medellín, and Villavicencio.
Thousands of pilgrims are expected to welcome him at his various stops. www.papafranciscoencolombia.co was created for all those who cannot be there in person. It provides information about the Holy Father’s role in the Catholic Church, the importance of his apostolic visit and his messages to the people of Colombia and the whole world.
In addition to this, the website will share the activities in preparation for this historic event.
Netizens will be able to find all of the information of our Holy Father’s official schedule over the four days of his visit.
The website also contains links to social network accounts set up for this event on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, using the handle: @elpapacol
Motto: Let us take the first step
“Pope Francis’ visit is a time of grace and joy in which to dream about the possibility of transforming our country and taking the first step. The Holy Father is a missionary of reconciliation. His presence will help us to discover that it is possible to once again unite ourselves as a nation, look at ourselves anew with the eyes of hope and mercy,” said Mons. Fabio Suescún Mutis, the Executive Direction of the Apostolic Visit to Colombia
This transformation that brings a conversion of heart gave rise to the design for the Holy Father’s visit. The background carries the Vatican colours — yellow and white — with an image of the Holy Father at the forefront, who takes the first step as an encouragement to build and dream: a time to meet one another again and discover ourselves as a country, reflected in the pre-Columbian artwork.
Taking the first step means to recognise the suffering of others, forgive those who have hurt us, encounter each other again as Colombians, understand the pain of those who have suffered, heal our hearts, discover the country that is hidden behind the mountains and to build it in peace. “It is a drawing closer to Jesus, to meet each other with the love of our families, to speak words of peace with our neighbours and to have compassion on those who have suffered.”
There are various ideas on the website about how to take the first step and prepare spiritually and practically for the Holy Father’s visit.
Original: Spanish, 1 July. Translation: Sarah-Leah Pimentel, Cape Town, South Africa
