When asked by a philosophy student how we can best respond to Pope Francis’ call to evangelization, he said “The Pope has invited us to go out to the world’s peripheries. It’s very important that we try to help the most needy, that we visit the sick, and also that we reach the peripheries that are close to us.”
“Let us spend time with people, with the humility of placing ourselves at the service of others, without expecting anything in return. Not to teach, but to learn from others.”
The Prelate pointed to the example given by Pope Francis: “He arrived in Rome with the idea of being here only a few days and then returning to Buenos Aires. He didn’t expect to be elected, but now he is giving himself completely, pouring out his life in the new service to which he has been called.
A married couple asked about the parents’ responsibility for the human and spiritual growth of their children. “To do apostolate with other couples and with your own children,” the Prelate said, “what’s needed first of all is that you love your spouse, that you strive to make your love grow each day, a love that others can see with their own eyes: where specific deeds make it clear that each day the husband love’s his wife more deeply and vice-versa.”
“The children have to see that you love one another, just as other couples who are your friends need to see this. Remember that the vocation to matrimony is not a less important vocation than the vocation to consecrated life or to the priesthood. It has an equal dignity because God has wanted it for the greater part of his sons and daughters.”
The final question referred to Don Alvaro del Portillo, who will be beatified in the near future. “He made himself loved by his readiness to serve and his kindness. Once, when he was a university student, some people attacked him when he was returning from giving catechism classes in a poor outlying district of Madrid. He was struck by a wrench on his head, which left a deep wound that for many years caused him to suffer bad headaches. But he transformed this suffering into an offering to God, offering it for his intentions."
At the end of the get-together, Bishop Echevarría greeted a number of married couples with their children, many of whom were planning to take part in the World Family Day vigil with Pope Francis that evening in St. Peter’s square.
“Pray for the Pope. He hasn’t wanted anything for himself. He only wants our help, our affection, so we need to pray for him each day.” With these words, Bishop Javier Echevarría began a get-together with more than 3,000 people in the Gran Teatro in Rome on Saturday October 26.