Yesterday, the press published the news of Willy Herteller, the homeless man, who was buried at the prestigious Teutonic Cemetery normally reserved for the bishops and the aristocracy..
The media was clearly keen to publicise this as a credit to the current Pope and his concern for the most poor and underprivileged in our society.
Source: Catholic News Agency. All Image rights belong to the source.
Huffington Post, however, mentioned that the man’s burial was paid for by an anonymous German-speaking family and the man himself attended the 7:00 Mass at the Vatican City for over 25 years!
While I am not dismissing what Pope Francis wants to do for the poor in our society, I think what is really admirable here is the unwavering faith of Willy Herteller that he has evidently kept with him despite the circumstances.
I am not particularly religious but I think it’s the strength of faith that needs to be spoken of here and praised, not the graciousness of the Vatican! I’ve never seen religion as something necessary in order to have faith and the kind of faith, that Willy Herteller had, gives us all hope whether we are religious or not.
So may he finally rest in peace and I hope his faith offered him at least some comfort in his challenging life circumstances.
Work in Progress. Always. 