Pope Francis is in Mexico after his historic meeting with Moscow Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church (more on this historic meeting in a future blog).
We know that Francis wants to spend personal, one-on-one time with the Virgin of Guadalupe, who is present at the Basilica in Mexico City in what can only be called the second most amazing image in the universe.
He expressed this particular desire before embarking on this trip.
The great news is that his "personal audience" has been arranged for Saturday. Vatican Radio had this report:
This "sort of secret room," as they call it, is a very small private chapel. The frame that holds the tilma can be turned around so that it faces the interior of this chapel.
We know well about this, because during his five (five!) visits to Mexico, Saint John Paul II spent long periods of time in this place. He would go during the night (after the Basilica closed to pilgrims) and pray long hours alone with Mary.
I have been told that security cameras in the chapel revealed some of these intimate moments (I have never seen any footage; I don't think they keep that sort of thing.) Supposedly, John Paul II would spend long periods of time with his face pressed to the glass, near the Blessed Mother's feet.
He prayed for the Church and for the world.
Dear friends, have confidence in Jesus and His holy mother Mary. Have confidence, whatever the storms of these times may bring.
Let us join Pope Francis in renewing our hope for our salvation, for the life of the Church, for a witness to the world.
We know that Francis wants to spend personal, one-on-one time with the Virgin of Guadalupe, who is present at the Basilica in Mexico City in what can only be called the second most amazing image in the universe.
He expressed this particular desire before embarking on this trip.
The great news is that his "personal audience" has been arranged for Saturday. Vatican Radio had this report:
This "sort of secret room," as they call it, is a very small private chapel. The frame that holds the tilma can be turned around so that it faces the interior of this chapel.
We know well about this, because during his five (five!) visits to Mexico, Saint John Paul II spent long periods of time in this place. He would go during the night (after the Basilica closed to pilgrims) and pray long hours alone with Mary.
I have been told that security cameras in the chapel revealed some of these intimate moments (I have never seen any footage; I don't think they keep that sort of thing.) Supposedly, John Paul II would spend long periods of time with his face pressed to the glass, near the Blessed Mother's feet.
He prayed for the Church and for the world.
Dear friends, have confidence in Jesus and His holy mother Mary. Have confidence, whatever the storms of these times may bring.
Let us join Pope Francis in renewing our hope for our salvation, for the life of the Church, for a witness to the world.
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| The frame holding the tilma and its image as seen in the Basilica. The small chapel is behind this wall, and the frame can turn. |
