Tom Thomas –
I was feeling sad, when I read the news yesterday. That the Holy Father is about to embark on his 45th and one of his longest-ever trips (32,814 kms!) to visit the South East Asian countries over the next few days. One of the countries, the Holy Father, is visiting is hardly a four-hour flight from India. So near and yet so far.
Will we in India ever get a chance to see Pope Francis? I am not sure, as how many long distance trips involving thousands of kilometers can one expect a wheel-chair bound, 87-year-old to make, even if he is the Pope.
Growing up in Nigeria, where my parents were working, I can still recollect the excitement when Pope John Paul visited the city of Kaduna, where we lived. We were at the edges of a large dusty field when the Pope arrived, and maybe something of the excitement of that visit still remains with me over the decades. Maybe this is one of the reasons I still cling to my Catholic Faith, as I have seen the changes firsthand of a Papal visit.
We have had many Popes over the years, and Pope Francis remains the one who has tried to build bridges with all- especially our brothers and sisters of different faiths as well as the marginalised. Many times his actions are more from the heart, like his namesake, St Francis of Assisi, and very unlike the analytical founder of the Jesuits, St Ignatius of Loyola, whose order the Pope belongs to.
I was thinking of all these matters, as I walked through the crowded lanes of St Mary’s Basilica, Shivajinagar in Bengaluru, where thousands of devotees of all faiths converge for the annual feast days, and Masses go on around the clock. I missed the Mass, but could be part of the rosary, being said by thousands of devotees clad mostly in the saffron attire that identify them as Marian devotees. It was indeed a powerful and poignant moment that only so many praying together can bring. The fact that this Basilica is located right next to many shops of our brothers and sisters of different faiths along with their places of worship too, and co existing in harmony for over a century speaks volumes of the beautiful country we are in.
Pope Francis’ visit to our country would have surely built stronger bridges amongst us all. Above all, it would have strengthened our faith too. He would also have talked to us about important topics close to his heart, like climate change and the ethical use of artificial intelligence.
To see in person, even at a distance, Pope Francis, the representative of St Peter on earth, in our country. Is it ever going to happen?
Will it ever happen, the odds seem stacked against us, with age related mobility issues that might intensify in time for the Holy Father?
Indeed a sad moment.
Thinking of these thoughts, I retrace my steps to my car. The haunting strains of “Oh Maria” reverberate through the streets from the loudspeakers, somehow lifting my mood a bit.
Nothing is impossible through Mother Mary’s intercession, so we pray in the Memorare.
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known
that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help,
or sought thy intercession,
was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence
I fly unto thee,
O Virgin of virgins, my Mother.
To thee do I come,
before thee I stand,
sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions,
but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.
May Mother Mary enable us to see Pope Francis in India. One day.