My kids were just babies and so was I. I was very sensitive and emotional and scared for our future. Did we make sense? Should I get a divorce and start over right away? Should I forgive him ? Luckily my parents were there for me 100%, making sure their 20 year old daughter with two babies was fed, clothed, housed, and emotionally supported.
One morning, this was in Guadalajara, as we were having breakfast, we felt a buzz from outside. Something important was happening out on the street. My parent’s home was a few meters away from one of the main avenues in Guadalajara called Avenida Lopez Mateos.
This was a different time, no body had smart phones to notify one another of happenings in the city, happenings just HAPPENED. We went outside to see what was hubbub was about.
An enormous crowd was just outside on the Avenida, they were congregating and shouting:
“Alli viene el Papa! The Pope is coming! The Pope is coming!”
Pope was Juan Pablo was the Pope at the time and he was a very loved in Mexico (and all over the world). He was known as Juan Pablo, the Polish Pope!
Before we knew it, my parents, my babies, my siblings, and myself were swallowed up by the pious and excited crowd! Mexicans are very Catholic, whether they practice or not, it is in their soul. People were loud, ecstatic to have the opportunity to see Juan Pablo the Pope!
As his uncovered car was getting closer to us there was a hush in the crowd. The shouting faded, he seemed to be elevated, passing by slowly and quietly, solemnly. We held our breath, thousands of us.
What were we experiencing? Was it a spiritual phenomenon, a spiritual moment? I’ve always believed things happen for a reason. At that moment, my heart needed that moment to happen. I was feeling lost. As the Pope passed, I felt his blessing, I felt his presence, I felt hopeful.
That moment has stuck with me through the decades of my life. The feeling of peace, hope, and the reason for being.
Years went by and I did end up getting a divorce and moving on with my life, solo but strong and satisfying.
I had a period in my life early in my divorce when I needed spiritual support. I would go regularly to church where Father Pretto would preside. His sermons made me feel held, grounded, and loved. I traveled with a group to the Vatican, Father Pretto led us through the tour. There we were formed a part of various groups from all over the world who were invited into the Vatican to see the Pope.
Let me tell you, you do not need to be Catholic to recognize a special human being who was given a special path that only one person takes at a time. I believe this requires an elevated human to take this position on. The whole Catholic world looks to this figure. I’ve always been impressed in my heart by this.
The passing of Pope Francisco last week has stirred up my soul once again. Especially now, I feel like we’re all experiencing a challenging time, concerned with the state of the world, our country, and wondering how things will change. I’m still looking for answers, and I’m still riding on that feeling of hope that the Pope instilled in me.
How about you? Where do you find your well of hope and peace?
Please share your thoughts to my personal email: GUADALUPEJ4K@GMAIL.COM