Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Catholic News

Home

Home
Catholic
Religion News
10 things you may have missed from the Pope’s visit to Chiapas

10 things you may have missed from the Pope’s visit to Chiapas

Last updated on: February 17, 2016 at 1:50 am by CNA Daily News

10 things you may have missed from the Pope’s visit to Chiapas 2016-02-17T01:50:00+00:00 CNA Daily News

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Mexico City, Mexico, Feb 16, 2016 / 06:50 pm (CNA).- On Feb. 15, Pope Francis visited Chiapas State in southeast Mexico. Spending the day in San Cristóbal de las Casas and Tuxtla Gutiérrez, he showed his affection for the native communities and for the weakest among them. Here are some great moments you might have missed:

1. A crown and necklace of flowers for the Pope

A group of indigenous people welcomed Pope Francis at the airport in Tuxla. They gave him three gifts of great symbolic value: a “staff of office” with three points representing the Holy Trinity, a crown and a necklace of flowers with the Vatican colors of yellow and white. According to their custom, these gifts are given to very beloved persons.

2. An impressive altar

The colorful altarpiece for the papal Mass reflected the art of Chiapas. The altar’s lower section was decorated with beautiful pictures of flowers.

3. Chiapan Marimbas

A group of musicians played large xylophone-like instruments called marimbas to accompany the orchestra during the Mass Pope Francis celebrated at San Cristóbal de las Casas.

4. Ritual dance

At end of Communion, the faithful performed a traditional ritual dance permitted in the liturgy. The dance was a simple and joyful moment, and its origins go back to pre-Columbian times.

5. The wooden crosier

Pope Francis used a wooden crosier made from cedar during the Mass at San Cristóbal de las Casas. The inspiration for its design comes from the staff that shepherds use with their sheep. The staff’s upper part features a cross tilted forward and carved roses representing Our Lady of Guadalupe.

6. A flying skullcap

The wind lifted off the Pope's white zucchetto during his homily. Msgr. Guido Marini, the Papal Master of Ceremonies, took action as soon as he saw it happen. He retrieved the zucchetto and held on to it for a few moments.

7. The song “Pescador de Hombres,” Fishers of Men

When the Holy Father was at the cathedral in San Cristóbal de las Casas, he met with the sick and elderly. The congregation welcomed him with the song “Pescadores de Hombres.” The song is also found in some American hymnals in Spanish and English.

This song was one of Saint John Paul II's favorites. He heard it for the first time in Polish and thought it had been composed in his native language. However, he later learned that the song was originally composed in Spanish. Its composer, Cesáreo Gabarain, wrote the song more than 35 years ago.

8. A shower of gifts

At the cathedral of San Cristóbal de las Casas, Pope Francis approached the faithful to greet them and bless them. He received various gifts such as baskets, bags embroidered with indigenous designs and many letters.

9. A giant welcome sign

At the heliport annex at the “Victor Manuel Reyna” stadium in Tuxtla Gutiérrez there was a massive welcome sign for Pope Francis. It read: “Chiapas welcomes you with open arms and heart.”

10. A blessing of solidarity

During the Pope’s meeting with families at the Victor Manuel Reyna Stadium, a group of people brought over to the stage a boy in a wheelchair. The Pope went over to the edge of the stage and with the help of the papal guards he blessed the boy.

Americas

Previous Post

February 16, 2016

What Pope Francis told a stunningly large crowd of Mexican youth

Next Post

February 17, 2016 Congressman: Zika virus should inspire care, not fear

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Americas Asia - Pacific Europe Middle East - Africa Uncategorized US Vatican

Select a Month November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What Christian group uses the term "synod" for its governing body?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Baptists Lutherans Methodists Pentecostals