IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring
By Rhina Guidos
WASHINGTON (CNS) — In a heartfelt letter to his
homeland Sept. 30, Pope Francis told his fellow Argentines that he will not be able to
visit this or next year because of obligations in Asia and Africa.
“You don’t know how much I would love to see you again,” Pope
Francis said in the letter addressed to the people of Argentina, which is a transcript
of an accompanying video message.
“For me, the people of Argentina are my people, you are
important,” he wrote. “I continue to be an Argentine, and I still travel with
an Argentine passport. I am convinced that the people are the biggest treasure
of our homeland.”
Pope Francis said he wanted to go to Argentina to beatify “Mama
Antula” and to canonize “Cura Brochero.” He was referring to Maria Antonia de
Paz Figueroa, an 18th-century Catholic laywoman who championed the Ignatian spiritual
exercises in Argentina after the Jesuits were expelled, and Jose Gabriel del
Rosario Brochero, a “gaucho,” or cowboy priest, known for his affinity for the
poor. She was beatified in August and he will be canonized in October.
Pope Francis did not say where or when his travel to Asia and Africa will occur.
He said he placed his return to
his homeland “in the Lord’s hands.” The pope said he found consolation in the
letters he receives from Argentina, which are so numerous that he cannot reply
to all.
“It gives me joy and leads me
to pray, and I pray for you at Mass, for your necessities, for each one of you,”
he said.
He said that while Argentina is
lauded for its richness in mountains, forests, coasts and mining, “the biggest
treasure our homeland has is its people, a people who know solidarity, know how
to walk with one another, know how to help, respect,” and don’t take a step
back.
“I respect, love and carry (those people) in my heart,” he said.
As the teachers of yesteryear
once did, he said he, too, dispenses homework, and the homework he gives them is
to go out and practice the works of mercy, while reminding them to also pray for
him.
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