444. A GIFT FROM POPE FRANCIS

When Pope Francis found out that our church in Sarmede, dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua, had not, and perhaps, has never had a statue dedicated to this saint, the Holy Father thought it would be a kind gesture to provide us with one.

Hence, straight from the Vatican, the gift of the Holy Father, via courier arrives in Sarmede.  And on a February Saturday evening Vigil, we, the parishioners find in the centre of the nave this beautiful statue of Saint Anthony of Padua.

When I heard of the welcomed gift, I thought such a considerate gesture requires us to reciprocate. One way we could express our appreciation for the nearness the Pope had shown us would certainly be by doing what he so graciously asks us to do for him: PRAY.

So if we really want to show our gratitude we have to invade Heaven with our prayers for the Holy Father, which does not mean spending hours and hours on our knees, but to open our hearts to the Lord and talk with Him... and this can be done even while washing the dishes.

PLACEMENT OF THE STATUE 

On Sunday March 5th the statue was placed in its final abode, that is, near the baptistery... a fitting location to commemorate this patron saint not only of our church but also of children, since with baptism a new life begins. In addition, it will also be a reminder of the precious gift from our Holy Father with which he wished to express the nearness he has for his people.