We publish below the text of the video message that the Holy Father Francis sends to the Franciscan Missionary Movement on the occasion of the inauguration of the “Negro Manuel” Historic-Cultural Walk of the Virgin of Luján:

Video message from the Holy Father

I wish to be close to you, accompanying the Movimiento Misioneros de Francisco that at this time is inaugurating and blessing the Paseo Histórico Cultural de la Virgen de Luján.

Our longing is to accompany the memory and devotion of the Virgen de Luján to this place, to accompany the patience of “Negro Manuel”. A walk through the history and life of “Negro Manuel”.  I accompany you, I bless you. May the Virgin keep you, and may “Negro Manuel” intercede for you all.  And let us go forward, with that simple faith, with that faith that is the faith we received from our parents;
it is the faith of our people. It is the faith that changes history.

May the Virgen de Luján watch over you, may “Negro Manuel” show you the way. Thank you.