Pope to Timorese children: Thank you for teaching us to care and be cared for
Vatican news
Pope Francis visits a school for disabled children and thanks the workers for their care, as well as the children for allowing themselves to be treated.
By Francesca Merlo
Another moving moment in Timor-Leste: Pope Francis visited disabled children on Tuesday morning, marking the first event of his second day in the young Catholic nation.
When Pope Francis arrived at the Irmãs Alma school, the streets were filled with people eager to welcome him. A group of children, dressed in traditional clothing, greeted him, accompanied by a choir of singing sisters.
The children are waiting patiently
In the San Vincenzo de’ Paoli Hall, 50 children and 28 sisters waited patiently. Three children, encouraged by one of the sisters, approached the Holy Father and gave him a traditional scarf called Shut up.
Sister Getrudis Bidi, superior of the congregation, then welcomed the Pope and told him about the mission of the school, which has been in existence for sixty years. She spoke of their work with children with various disabilities and disadvantages, describing them as “treasures entrusted to them by God.”
Throughout this intimate encounter, three children sat quietly at the Pope’s feet.
Statements by Pope Francis
In a brief address, Pope Francis spoke about the Last Judgment, explaining that when Jesus invites people to “come with me,” it is not because they have been baptized or confirmed, or have lived perfectly, but because “you have taken care of me.”
Jesus calls people to follow him because they have shown care and compassion for others.
The Pope spoke of the “sacrament of the poor,” describing it as a love that “moves, builds and strengthens.” He stressed that this love is clearly present at the Irmãs Alma School and that without it, the school’s work would not be possible.
He concluded by expressing his gratitude: “I want to thank you for all that you do, and I also want to thank the children, these boys and girls who are testifying and letting themselves be taken care of. They are teaching us to let God take care of us.”
Thank you, Silvano
Pope Francis then turned his attention to a young boy who takes care of the school, Silvano. He asked that Silvano be brought to him and, taking the boy’s hand, thanked him for allowing the sisters to take care of him. “Just as Silvano lets himself be cared for, we too must learn to let ourselves be cared for,” the pope said.
To commemorate the school’s 60th anniversary, Pope Francis signed a plaque before saying goodbye to the child singers.
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