A group from Shreveport is in Philadelphia for the papal visit and to attend the World Meeting of Families, a week-long international prayer event and conference for Catholic families. This is a collection of their thoughts ahead of the trip:
“The nation is hurting. I pray that Pope Francis is being kept in the loop on how our nation’s been hurting in so many ways. We know as Catholics we’re all called to love and to care for others, and perhaps we’re not doing it enough? But hopefully there’s a way we can see, Oh my goodness it’s so clear, this is what we need to do.”
- Carol Gates, director of pastoral ministries, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans
“I’m excited about that we’re going to meet people from all over the world. There are 150 countries represented. We’ll get to see their view and what they think of family and marriage. But the main thing is we’ll get to see Pope Francis.”
- Dotye Stanford, director of family life ministries, St. Joseph Church
“I hope that the U.S. will learn from his humility, from his not wasting, and his merciful ways. So, I think he’ll talk about mercy, love and service to others.”
- Rosalba Quiroz, director of the office of Hispanic ministry, Diocese of Shreveport
“I don’t any other person in the world who has that fatherly image that anyone can turn to. He’s very ecumenical. He’s inviting people -- not just Catholics. He wants Christians and non-Christians to please listen to the message.”
- Carol Gates, director of pastoral ministries, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans
“I’m hoping that people will really listen to him. True, he’s our Holy Father. But there are so many non-believers who are listening to what he’s saying.”
- Dotye Stanford, director of family life ministries, St. Joseph Church
“I’m not sure what else he can say that he hasn’t already said, but it’s going to be direct. I like to look at his actions more than his words. His actions have been remarkable. He’s a very humble man.”
- Rosalba Quiroz, director of the office of Hispanic ministry, Diocese of Shreveport
The Shreveport contingency is blogging at shreveportcatholicfamilies.wordpress.com.
