By  Jesús Ángel Cid

(ANS – Luanco) – The Rector Major of the Salesians, Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime, celebrated his first Mass as a Cardinal on All Saints’ Day in Luanco, his hometown, rendering this occasion a historical moment.

Ever since his ordination to the priesthood in 1987, the inhabitants of Luanco and the other surrounding villages were used to attending Masses celebrated by Fr. Á.F. Artime, but on this occasion it was something very special. And indeed, to prove it, the Vatican flag with the new cardinal’s coat of arms was hoisted on the facade of the tower of the Church of Santa María de Luanco.

At midday, the bells rang out, announcing the celebration of Card. Á.F. Artime in his hometown, where dozens of parishioners and neighbors awaited him, as well as the Mayor of the town and some councilors. The church was packed with the faithful, all locals.

At the beginning of the Eucharist, the parish priest, Fr. José Antonio Alonso, said: “We welcome you seeing that you are the same as always, but now with a different vision of God, who wanted to place a new responsibility on your shoulders; we are happy about this availability. We pray that the Holy Father will be able to count on you for the tasks he deems appropriate.”

For his part, Card. Á.F. Artime replied: “I want to thank you for having always received me with great warmth on your part, and I promise you that, even if having a Cardinal in the parish can be a little uncomfortable… (smiling), I promise you that you will always have the help of a priest who comes here to his home, among his people, to help you and to be available for anything you ask of me.”

Then, in his homily, the Rector Major thanked the people of Luanco for being present in the church where he was baptized and where he grew in faith. He also explained the elements of his coat of arms: a Good Shepherd, Mary Help of Christians, and an anchor. The anchor symbolizes the seafaring nature of his  hometown. Along with these symbols, he included the Salesian coat of arms.

The 10th Successor of Don Bosco then clarified the role of the Cardinal: “Ordinary people consider it an honor. But Jesus did not speak of honors, he indicated service, being close to the poorest, to the discarded… I am the same as always, the boy who grew up in Luanco, and I see this call that the Pope has given me as an opportunity to serve, to help in any way I can and where I am asked. Otherwise, it is something else, which does not suit me, and the Pope knows this very well… And I remind you that we must continue to ask the Lord to continue to assist the Pope.”

Since it was the feast of all the saints, he then made reference to the canonized saints, their union with the Lord, their mediation, but also of the saints next door. And finally he said, with his usual friendly and joking manner: “I threaten you that I will come back (smiling)… Whether I come dressed in red or not, I will come back, because roots are very important to give harmony and life to people.”

After the celebration, it was difficult for many to leave the church. In the forecourt there were many signs of joy and affection as it was a very important day for the locals, who were happy and proud around ‘their cardinal’. Among the many messages and considerations shared by all, one was the most repeated of all: ‘He’s still the same as ever!