On 19th October, 2025 Pope Leo VIX canonized seven saints. It was indeed a historic moment not only for the Church also for the nations to which the respective saints belong. From early morning hours the Vatican squire was packed with faithful from across the world.
It was first time for me to see such gathering and also the canonization ceremony. I was inspired and touched to see the faith of the people. In fact the Vatican gates were thronged by the faithful from early morning hours. And yet the crowed was swelling over until 10.30 am. The chairs and the place everything was occupied. It is not an exaggeration to say that there was hardly a place to stand for me. Literally, I was standing all the time. The people faith, patronage and enthusiasm was seen as they manifested their love for the beloved saints with flags, symbols, dress, hats and prayers.
After the ceremony, while I was waiting for bus my attention went to a statue that stops people passing by. I saw a woman who looked at the statue and trying to read the caption and then was tacking a photo of the statue. It was laid on the banks of the river Tiber the near bus stop. "Ero malato e mi avete visitato" In other words "When I was sick, you visited me." The statue speaks volumes for itself of the need of the hour. A poor laying under a blanket sick, hungry, lonely and despair. Who has a heart for the neighbor in this rat race of power, privilege and possession. In deed every human person that we meet day in and day out is having a bundle of problems. There is no one who can escape human frailty. Besides, there are few who less fortunate than you and me who perhaps need our care and attention. Instead of expecting others to serve and care it would be all the more attentive like the Lord who had concern for his people who were like the sheep without the shepherd. May we have heart of the Good Shepherd to love and serve the people in our care.
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