Pope Francis celebrated Mass in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe this evening and then carried out his wish in coming to Mexico: to spend some time alone in prayer before her image.
The Holy Father entered a secure back room by which the image can be accessed, and the tilma was turned away from the main area of the basilica, so that he could face her.
The Pontiff presented her with a crown and a bouquet of yellow roses and then sat for about 20 minutes in visibly intense prayer. At the end, he rose to his feet and prayed for a few moments longer before touching the glass and departing from the room with his face showing his recollection.
In the homily, the Pope had reiterated the consoling, simple message of Our Lady of Guadalupe: That I am here and I am your mother. That no one is too small or insignificant for me, in fact that the smallest and least ones are my chosen ambassadors.
«Mary tells us that she has ‘the honour’ of being our mother, assuring us that those who suffer do not weep in vain,» the Pope said. «These [tears] are a silent prayer rising to heaven, always finding a place in Mary’s mantle. In her and with her, God has made himself our brother and companion along the journey; he carries our crosses with us so as not to leave us overwhelmed by our sufferings.»
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On ZENIT’s Web page:
Read the full homily: https://zenit.org/articles/popes-homily-at-mass-in-basilica-of-our-lady-of-guadalupe/
