Introduction to a Unique Exhibit
Inside a glass box on a velvet cushion, Pope Francis’ shoes proved to be an irresistible visual cue for students at St. Genevieve Parish Schools in Panorama City.
The size-42 shoes, once worn by the beloved pontiff himself, were on display Friday at a special memorial mass the school had scheduled for him.
The Significance of Simplicity
But a closer look revealed something else, said St. Genevieve’s Vice Pres. of Schools Vince O’Donaghue.
“These look like workman shoes," O’Donaghue described. "They look like shoes of a person who’d been out. They’re plain, black shoes.”
It’s that simplicity and lack of ostentation, O’Donaghue explained, that make them indisputably those of Francis, a pope known for his humble approach to ministry.
“That’s why they say he’s the ‘people’s pope.’ He was out with the people and believed with the people. It was really special.”
The Journey of the Shoes
What’s also special is the way the shoes arrived at St. Genevieve.
It was loaned by Noel Diaz, who runs an LA-based Catholic ministry called El Sembrador. Diaz first met Francis in 2016, when he accompanied the pontiff on a trip to Mexico.
During the plane trip, Diaz was struck by the pontiff’s kind and generous spirit and decided to give him a gift.
“Noel grew up in Tijuana, Mexico,” said O’Donaghue, “He shined shoes as a boy, so he presented the pope with a shoe shine box and shined the pope’s shoes.”
After Francis passed away April 21, Diaz was surprised to receive notice from the Vatican that Francis had gifted the very same shoes to him in his will.
Connecting with the Past
Diaz loaned them to the school for their mass, knowing they would help students connect on a different level with the man who wore them.
“The works of mercy, the works of peace are exemplified by the simple ‘shoes of a fisherman’”’ Francis left behind,” O’Donaghue said. "I think it was greatly symbolic of Pope Francis.”
Papal shoes hold great symbolic importance in Catholicism, dating back to St. Peter. Biblical teachings encourage all Christians to become “fishers of men," encouraging others to embrace the faith, a mission to which Francis devoted most of his life.
Conclusion
The display of Pope Francis’ shoes at St. Genevieve Parish Schools serves as a poignant reminder of his commitment to humility and his dedication to the people. The story behind the shoes, from their gift to Francis to their return to Diaz and eventual display at the school, is a testament to the power of kindness and generosity. As students and faculty reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis, the shoes remain a tangible connection to a man who inspired countless individuals around the world.
FAQs
- Q: Who loaned the shoes to St. Genevieve Parish Schools?
A: The shoes were loaned by Noel Diaz, who runs an LA-based Catholic ministry called El Sembrador. - Q: How did Noel Diaz first meet Pope Francis?
A: Diaz first met Francis in 2016, when he accompanied the pontiff on a trip to Mexico. - Q: What is the symbolic importance of papal shoes in Catholicism?
A: Papal shoes hold great symbolic importance in Catholicism, dating back to St. Peter, and represent the mission to become “fishers of men," encouraging others to embrace the faith.
