In a glass box of velvet cushions, Pope Francis’ shoes proved to be an attractive visual cue for students at the schools of St. Genevieve Parish in Panorama City.
The size 42 shoes once worn by the beloved clergy himself were on display at a special commemorative mass that the school had planned for him on Friday.
But looking closely, something else became clear, said St. Genevieve’s vice president. Vince O’Donagoo from school.
“These look like Workman shoes,” explained Odonaguet. “They look like shoes from people who were out. They are mediocre, black shoes.”
O’Donaghue explained that it was a lack of simplicity and exaggeration.
“That’s why they say he is the ‘pope of the people’. He was with people and believed it was really special.
What’s also special is how the shoes arrived in St. Genevieve.
It was loaned out by Noel Diaz, who runs the LA-based Catholic Ministry known as El Sembrador. Diaz first met Francis in 2016. He accompanied the Pope on a trip to Mexico.
During his airplane trip, Diaz is struck by the kind and generous spirit of the Pope and decides to give him a gift.
“Noel grew up in Tijuana, Mexico,” Odonaguet said.
After Francis passed away on April 21, Diaz was surprised to receive a notification from the Vatican that Francis had given him the exact same shoes at his will.
Diaz lends them to the school for their Mass, knowing that he will help students connect on another level with the man they wear.
“The work of mercy, the work of peace, is illustrated in a simple “fisherman’s shoes,” and “Francis remains,” Odonaguet said.
Pope’s shoes are of very symbolic importance in Catholicism, dating back to St. Peter. Bible teaching encourages all Christians to become “male fishermen” and encourages others to accept their faith.
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