Mexico City, Mexico, Feb 14, 2016 / 16:15 pm
Madam First Lady, Madam Secretary for Health, Director, Members of the Board of Governors, Families here present, Dear Children, Friends one and all, Good afternoon.
I thank God for granting me this opportunity to come and visit you, to join you and your families in this hospital. To share a little of your life and of those who work here: the doctors, nurses, personnel, and volunteers who help. Thank you.
There is a very brief passage in the Gospel which tells us something of Jesus' childhood. He was very small, just like some of you. One day, his parents, Joseph and Mary, took him up to the Temple to present him to God. And while there they met an old man called Simeon who, upon seeing Jesus, was very moved and filled with joy and gratitude. He took Jesus in his arms and held him close, and began to bless the Lord. Looking at Jesus inspired him in two ways: the feeling of gratitude and the desire to bless.
Simeon is "the uncle" who teaches us these two attitudes: gratitude and then blessing.