CDH play tackles race 7 • How to caucus 18 • Widowhood ministry 23 February 18, 2016 Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
Pope Francis in Mexico Pope shifts focus to family after hitting hard on country’s issues By David Agren Catholic News Service Pope Francis warned against moves to diminish the importance of the family, peppering his talk with anecdotes and off-the-cuff remarks that kept a packed soccer stadium cheering and laughing. Speaking outside as dozens were treated for heat stroke in San Cristobal de las Casas, the pope said family life is not always easy and often is a struggle, but he pleaded for perseverance, saying family life is one of the solutions to increasing isolation and uncertainty and its unintended consequences. “I prefer a wounded family that makes daily efforts to put love into play to a society that is sick from isolationism and is habitually afraid of love,” Pope Francis said Feb. 15 in front of a boisterous audience of families, who came from across southern Mexico and nearby Guatemala for a celebration in the city of Tuxtla Gutierrez. “I prefer a family that makes repeated efforts to begin again to a society that is narcissistic and obsessed with luxury and comfort. I prefer a family with tired faces from generous giving to faces with makeup that know nothing of tenderness and compassion.” The pope’s shift to families turned the focus of his six-day visit toward pastoral
issues after hitting hard on matters such as corruption, crime and the country’s often impoverished and exploited indigenous populations. He even went to President Enrique Pena Nieto’s home state to celebrate Mass, speaking of dignity and denouncing improperly obtained wealth. During his talk to families, a couple — one of whom was divorced — spoke of the stigma and sense of not belonging by not being able to receive Communion, but finding a home in the Catholic Church by serving others. “As we came close to our Church, we received love and compassion,” said Humberto and Claudia Gomez, who are married civilly but not in the Church. “It’s marvelous to have a marriage and family in which God is at the center.” Pope Francis focused most on overcoming isolation and uncertainty and its insidious effects. He cited the example of the Gomezes and their service to others as a solution. Another solution, he said, was with smart public policy, “which protects and guarantees the bare necessities of life so that every home and every person can develop through education and dignified employment.” “Laws and personal commitment,” the pope said, “are a good pairing to break the spiral of uncertainty.”
More on Pope Francis’ Feb. 12–17 visit to Mexico
Pope Francis embraces children during a visit to the Federico Gomez Children’s Hospital of Mexico in Mexico City Feb. 14. CNS/Paul Haring
• Local Hispanic Catholics weigh in — page 9 • Pope visits Our Lady of Guadalupe shrine — page 9 • www.thecatholicspirit.com
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Encouraged by Pope Francis, priests to hear confessions noon March 4 to noon March 5 at archdiocese’s co-cathedrals. — Page 5
Rose Ensemble’s concert series commemorates consecration of St. Louis IX’s Paris reliquary, Sainte-Chapelle. — Page 8
Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center in Prior Lake celebrates helping people ‘find the missing peace.’ — Pages 14-16