The Pope presided at Mass in Bicentennial Park in Quito. Faithful comment on the emotion of the moment and the fruits that the Pope leaves the country
Jessica Marcal
Special envoy to Quito
Much expectation, faith and emotion marked the morning of Tuesday July 7, at Mass that Pope Francis presided at in Bicentennial Park, the old airport of Quito, capital of Ecuador. It is estimated that two million people participated in the Eucharistic celebration.
Around 10 am, the Holy Father arrived at the scene via the popemobile. The faithful already waiting here since last night. Thousands of people gathered in a prayer vigil at the Bicentennial Park and, despite the rain that hit the capital Quito, spent the night there and stayed until dawn of the day to attend the Mass, which had started at 10:30 am (local time ; 12:30 GMT).
.: Read in full the homily of the Mass in Bicentennial Park
Volunteer Maria Gloria Paredes helped to welcome the Pope and the faithful. She said the work was great, but quite rewarding to be able to serve God. “It’s a total commitment, and a delivery of love. We went through rain, hail, cold all night, since yesterday afternoon. It’s the most wonderful thing because we are serving God next to the Pope. “
For Maria Gloria, the main fruit of this visit of Pope Francis is the seed of love that he leaves. “Even if countries face conflicts and problems, the message he leaves is that of Jesus: to love one another. That is our total commitment to work. We are tired, but the delivery is wonderful. “
Also a volunteer at Mass, Andres Paladins witnessed three months of preparation with great effort and dedication so that everything was ready on the big day. “It was a great experience, one of the best I’ve ever had in my life! I can say that I liked very much. “
According to the student Valeria Pazmino, a native of Quito, attending Mass with Pope Francis was a unique and indescribable experience. The celebration represented, for her, a way to say a lot to the world. “First, let’s pray for the political situation in Ecuador, the world situation of Catholics, therefore, around the world, are dying by thousands of Catholics to profess their religion. It’s a very difficult situation. “
She did not cease to express the thanks that should be addressed to the Pope by his example of humility. “He practices what he preaches, he is the most pragmatic man I ever knew.”