19 December 2013, The Tablet

In Bergoglio’s footsteps


Ministering to the marginalised

 
In a shanty town of Buenos Aires works a priest who, like Pope Francis, follows Christ in his devotion to those who live on the edges of society. Padre Pepe, as he is known, remains close to his former archbishop and lives his vision of a poor Church for the poor n a hot Sunday two weeks ago, in one of the shanty towns outside Buenos Aires, Mass was said as usual at a tiny chapel. About 60 people attended in all, but when the moment for Communion came only 12 queued to receive it.“Those for Confirmation and Baptism stay behind afterwards,” said the priest at the end of Mass. “It doesn’t matter about your status – whether you’re in a relationship or separated or divorced or a single parent – this isn’t customs and I’m not an inspector.
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