The brass and drums of the municipal music celebrating Sainte-Cécile could not have come at a better time. They enhanced a Sunday mass that was decidedly unlike any other. Above the faithful who invaded the Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral this Sunday, November 24 in Ajaccio, hovered “a grace”. At least that is the feeling shared by the flock at the end of mass, after the officialization of the pope's arrival in Corsica, on December 15 in Ajaccio.
“I find that it restores pride to this island which is dear to us. In addition, the vision of the Church of Francis, very open, corresponds to me. So, a lot of joy”confided Pierre-Antoine on the square.
“A pope faithful to his image to go towards the smallest”
Vicar General Frédéric Constant greeted this pope “who chose to come to the outskirts”meeting a “small people, a small island”. A feeling unanimously shared, in particular by a regular at the cathedral who sees further than the simple visit. “I think this will give a great boost to Christianity in Corsica. We have felt a surge for several years. We are living in an increasingly connected era but we are more and more alone. And there, whatever the horizon , we will be together for the same thing: Corsica and the sovereign pontiff.”
Originally from Provence and married to a Corsican, Laurence calls herself “very happy for this region which has managed to keep its traditions and its Christian fervor”. The island is rewarded by a pope “who chose it rather than Paris, which is faithful to its image of going towards the smallest”.
The opportunity to show “another image of Corsica”
Sitting on the market square of Bastia, very close to the Saint Jean-Baptiste church where this Saturday, November 23 at noon, the bells rang out, Sylvie says she is “delighted even if I won’t go see it because there will be too many people.” She sees it as an opportunity to show another image of the island to the outside world. “Even if I'm not practicing, I feel a certain pride in knowing that he will soon be in Corsica. Usually it's all for others and nothing for us, this time the pope preferred to come to Corsica.”
“We are delighted that the Pope's arrival has been made official, in fact our reservations to go see him in Ajaccio have already been made, tell two friends from Bastia. We were waiting for the Pope. We even hoped so.”
In Rogliano in Cap Corse, Sandrine believes that “all parishes should be proud.”
“Corsica is a country of fervent Catholics, François reminds Corte. The Holy Father in Corsica is something extraordinary that we will never see again!” Marie-Dominique hopes “a very great moment of faith” : “The Corsicans are very attached to it and the Pope has certainly noticed that.”
In Sartenais and Valinco, the colleagues are very enthusiastic. “It is with immense joy that we welcomed this news”declares Dominique de Peretti. “It’s an inestimable honor.”observes Jean-Jérôme Quilici, because “this event goes beyond a simple visit”points out Sandra Secondi.
Same feeling among the parishioners. “I’m sure I’ll only see this once in my life.”Santa exclaims. Paul and Marianne will do everything “to follow the journey of the Holy Father.” Olivia notes that the Pope likes simplicity but “from there to coming as close as possible to us, it was unthinkable.” For Father Olivier Culioli, this confirms it “proximity” between the Vatican and Corsica.
Related News :