Gift of Our Lady of Luján from Pope Francis
After the passing of Pope Francis, the Rector of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Elena Beccalli, received a beautiful statuette depicting Our Lady of Luján, adorned with the traditional white and light blue mantle. The gift was found at Casa Santa Marta, where she had gone to pay her respects to the Pontiff. This final gift from the Pope was a token of gratitude for the care he received during his recent hospital stay at the “A. Gemelli” of the Catholic University and the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of Vatican City State. The presence of Our Lady of Luján at the University now makes the moment even more special.
In a message from 2020, Pope Francis had expressed his connection to Our Lady of Luján during the pandemic, stating, “I will look at her once more, and once again, I will allow myself to be looked at by her.” Our Lady of Luján, the Patron Saint of Argentina, holds a special place in the Pope’s heart, with the upcoming preparatory novena for the feast of the Morenita, as she is affectionately known, set to begin soon. The May 8 anniversary is particularly significant to the Pope, who has a strong connection to the shrine even before his papacy.
It is interesting to note the parallel between the devotion to Our Lady of Luján and the icon of the Salus Popoli Romani in the papal basilica of Saint Mary Major, where Pope Francis has chosen to be laid to rest. The Pope’s deep reverence for these spiritual symbols highlights his unwavering faith and connection to the divine.
