We hope our brief reflection finds you and yours well.
On Friday October 7th, President Biden issued a dual proclamation, naming October 10th as Indigenous Peoples’ Day as well as Columbus Day.
Today, the 26th Annual National Indigenous People’s Day, we pause and reflect on the historical importance of the Native Americans and Indigenous Peoples globally.
We especially pray for all who minister, care and serve indigenous peoples.
Accordingly, we share and reflect on the moving words of our beloved H. E. Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Apostolic Nuncio to Spain and former Apostolic Nuncio to the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations — in his Statement On The Rights Of Indigenous Peoples presented before the Seventy-fourth Session of the United Nations General Assembly — Third Committee agenda item 69 (a, b): Rights of Indigenous People in New York, 11 October 2019.
Marile, the kids and I commemorate the courage and spirit of adventure of the great explorer Christopher Columbus and join our Italian-American brothers in celebrating the faith in the American Dream which brought us all here.
As Pope Francis has stated,
“it is essential to show special care for indigenous communities and their cultural traditions. They are not merely one minority among others, but should be the principal dialogue partners, especially when large projects affecting their land are proposed.”[2]
Marile and I pray that today and every day we take these words to heart and are personally moved to take every step possible to ensure that indigenous people prosper and thrive as equal members of God’s great family.
As always, thank you for reflecting with us.
We appreciate your friendship and support.
Warmest personal regards,
Marile & Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq.
