A Legacy Of Mercy And Love
I overheard someone say that the Pope came to America to talk about global warming. It is sometimes difficult to find an accurate source for news … but really?! Obviously, there is much more to the story.
The period of September 19-27, 2015, was history making, as Pope Francis visited Cuba and the United States. In America, he attended the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, and celebrated the Canonization Mass for Blessed Junipero Serra, who is the first saint to be canonized on U.S. soil. I recorded all the media coverage and complied a synopsis of his messages to share with my family.
This apostolic visit recorded many firsts with great emphasis on the importance of family, sainthood and the Church, in places like Cuba, Washington, D.C., New York City and Philadelphia. It was the first trip to the United States for Pope Francis, who was Jesuit Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina, before he was elected Bishop of Rome in March 2013. He is the first pope elected from the Americas, and the first to take the name Francis.
Pope Francis is very deliberate about living a simplistic lifestyle, which is key to promoting the gospel. He did make a plea for us to leave a healthier environment for future generations, but we must realize that his presence in the United States was about much more than ecology. There was powerful appeal in his simple messages, which I summarized in nine pages of notes. Could he possibly have been more emphatic in speaking about life issues, marriage and religious liberty? Regardless, Pope Francis came as a diplomat of peace.
When he spoke on immigration he told us that his Italian family members were immigrants in Argentina. He stated that society is not healthy when it does not leave room for family life. He said he draws strength from St. Joseph, who is a great example of handling difficult situations with faith. He remarked that the Bible makes it very clear that the world had no room for the Holy Family when Mary gave birth to her baby, and that the Son of God was born homeless. It was Joseph’s trust in God that gave him the power to find "light" for his family.
Pope Francis encouraged Catholics to build a tolerant society, safeguarding individual rights and protecting religious freedom. The working-class people who sustain the society of life should be respected, and the elderly should be regarded as a storehouse of wisdom. Children should always have hope, and be encouraged to dream.
He asked us to appreciate our pastors who testify to the immensity of God’s love, and praised the sacrifices made by all people who are keeping the faith strong in a changing pastoral climate. He lauded the role and importance of women in the Church, but was clear about how the authority of the Church came to be.
He made a very bold statement when he said, “Beware of good and evil challenges. Our world wants to confront every polarization. We know that in an attempt to be freed of the enemy without, we can be tempted to feed the enemy within. To imitate hatred is the best way to take their place.”
We must be joyful in proclaiming the good news of Jesus, because we are all called to be saintly people, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit are available to everyone. Prayer is the greatest gift we can give to one another. Be creative in adapting to changed situations, while still carrying forward the legacy of the past – and expect more to the story, as the gift of Church continues into the future.
God is always with us! Amen!
