This week, I was able to watch Mexican TV while visiting a friend and avoiding the fumes of sealing our concrete floors. Most channels were devoted to coverage of the Pope’s visit to Mexico. I was raised Catholic and have mixed feelings about The Church, but this day I was in awe of this Pope and his message.
The crowds gathered in Chiapas.
The mass celebrated in the mountainous region of Chiapas was devoted to the indígenas of Mexico. Most people don’t know that there are a million people in the state of Chiapas alone who’s first language is not Spanish. They are the poorest and the proudest. They came in droves and dressed in their best. As the cameras scanned the crowd, it was fun to see simple people recognize themselves on the huge TV screens set up for optimal viewing.
Forgive my photos of a TV.
Parts of the celebration were in Tzotzil and Tzelta. A line of men and women in native garb took turns addressing the Pope. I was hoping for someone to go off script, but it didn’t happen.
The women’s voices were given equal time.
The Pope asked for forgiveness for the decimation of native populations by the Church, government and European invaders.
The Pope’s message spoken to common people.
While many attacked the Pope’s message as nothing but empty words, I was most impressed by his asking for help with climate change. People who live simple lives, close to the land have a lot to teach the rest of us. If we will only listen.
It’s been a week of laying low and continued rest. The Pope’s message gave me hope, which is in short supply these days while observing the US political shenanigans. Maybe Hilary and Bernie could run together. Now wouldn’t that be an interesting possibility. Please post comments below. DOS TORTAS
the adventures of dos tortas 
I would like to see Hillary win the nomination and pick Elizabeth Warren as her VP. 🙂 I am not Catholic but love this Pope! I bet seeing him speak was a really special thing for the people of Chiapas. Thanks for sharing.
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Hillary and Elizabeth! I’m in. Francis is faced with the same staunch conservative opposition Obama is.
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I’m not religious but I love what the Pope had to say about Donald Trump. I can only hope Americans will listen.
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Right there with you Jack.
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I am not religious at all, but I love what the Pope said and did on this wonderful trip. As for me, go Bernie!
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Thank you for your very timely, thoughtful and challenging thoughts as well as the great
pictures you post each week. I agree with you wholeheartedly about Pope Francis. He is
so different from past popes as well as many of our Protestant preachers, etc. He is truly
a man of the people and one who is attempting to draw us together through compassion, understanding and love. I hope your healing is advancing well. Lisa’s great aunt in Alaska.
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Darling Aunt Edna, Lisa, Alice and I are doing well. We’re having so much fun. Glad you are along on the blog.
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Both Lisa and I are very happy with Pope Francis! Dare I say, we love him! I hope your healing is going well and don’t pay much attention to the political campaigning… It’s not good for your health!
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You are so right! I don’t know how you all NOTB put up with it.
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The gentleman in the hat (last picture) looks Very Peruvian. Thanks for a great post. I, too, am impressed with the Pope–not enough to convert–but impressed! Pope’s come and go, the Church remains.
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Good to hear from you K. Thanks for stopping by.
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