Preparing a home for the homeless

This morning, after having taken his leave of the Apostolic Nunciature in Bogotá, the Holy Father, Pope Francis travelled in the popemobile to the CATAM Military Airbase.  Upon his arrival, the Pope was welcomed by some people from Avianca Airlines near the stairs of his aircraft.  Then, having boarded the plane, he departed for the Rafael Núñez Airport in Cartagena.

At his arrival, the Holy Father was welcomed by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Cartegena, His Excellency, Jorge Enrique Jiménez Carvajal, C.I.M.; the Governor, the Mayor of the city and some Military Authorities.  Before heading for Saint Francis of Assisi Square, the Pope passed in front of a hangar where 300 young people performed a choreography on the theme of the dignity of persons and cultural identity.

At 10:25am, the Holy Father arrived at Saint Francis of Assisi Square in Cartagena where he blessed the cornerstones of a house for the homeless and a new home for the Talitha Kum Works.  A few hundred people - the homeless and babies who are being assisted by Talitha Kum Works were in attendance.

Following a few words of greeting offered by the Pastor of Saint Francis, Father Elkin Acevedo and the blessing of the Pope prayed over te first stones of the new home, the Holy Father went to visit the home of Lorenza, a 77-year-old woman who has for more than 50 years offered food and welcome in her home to persons in need.  Then he travelled by car to the church of Saint Peter Claver.

Prayer recited by the Holy Father, Pope Francis

during the blessing ceremony for the

laying of the new cornerstone of the houses for the needy

Let us pray.
Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of mercy,
Who in your Son You have given us
an admirable example of charity
and through Him you have strongly recommended to us
the commandment to love;
fill with your blessings
these servants of yours,
who wish to devote themselves generously
to the help of their brothers;
so that, in urgent needs,
they may serve you faithfully and fully
in the person of their neighbor.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.