In a video-message projected during a Mass for National Migration Week in Los Angeles, Pope Francis encourages immigrants to seek refuge under Mary’s mantle when there is “spiritual turbulence,” because, as the Virgin of Guadalupe said to Saint Juan Diego: “Fear not. Am I not here, I who am your Mother?”
The Eucharist was presided over by the Archbishop of Los Angeles, Monsignor Jose H. Gomez. In the video, Francis assures immigrants: “we are a community that also has a Mother and Jesus gave her to us, His Mother and our Mother, and a community must feel safe with a Mother.”
He also reminds them that Russian monks of the Medieval Age or earlier had a lovely saying. At that time they said: “when there is spiritual turbulence, seek refuge under the mantle of the Holy Mother of God.” And this is what the Pontiff wished to say to those gathered there, what the Virgin said in his language to Juan Diego: “Fear not. Am I not here, I who am your Mother?”
For his part, the Archbishop of Los Angeles said that the Pope’s words are a “beautiful message of hope” that recalls “the words of Our Lady of Guadalupe to Saint Juan Diego during a time of fear and uncertainty.” — words of tranquillity to our immigrant brothers and sisters to not be afraid because they are not alone. “As the Most Holy Mother of Christ, the Church will always be with them,” stressed the Archbishop.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops proclaimed the National Migration Week 25 years ago, “as a way of reflecting on how immigrants and refugees have contributed to the local Church and to the country.”
The Pope’s video-message is part of a television interview with the Founder of the Ministries of the Sower, Noel Diaz, which will be broadcast on January 29 by ESNE.
