The archbishop of the archdiocese of Tijuana, Francisco Moreno Barrón, said in a statement to parishioners that he will share his blessing with the Blessed Sacrament by air, on the occasion of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In the statement, it is mentioned that this blessing will be imparted from a small plane that will fly over the three municipalities that make up the archdiocese: Tecate, Playas de Rosarito, and Tijuana, bearing in mind the hospitals, jails, asylums, migrant houses and institutions that support the most vulnerable.
“All united, with our faith centered on Jesus and with the help of the Virgin of Guadalupe, we will overcome this pandemic and, with great learning, we will go forward in building a better society,” said Francisco Moreno Barrón.
The above comes from an April 14 story in El Sol de Tijuana.
This seems quite silly to me. What is the proximity requirement for a blessing to have effect? Why can’t the bishop just give the blessing in his cathedral or chapel with the intent that it be effective throughout the archdiocese instead of conducting a PR stunt of flying in a plane with the Blessed Sacrament? Does the plane have to be under a particular altitude for the blessing to have effect? Too high and the blessing won’t reach the people? Does God really work like that? I don’t think so. Just give the blessing from your chapel, Excellency. Excuse for a joyride.
And the Lord answered him: Is the hand of the Lord unable? Thou shalt presently see whether my word shall come to pass or no. Num 11:23
At least this Bishop is out and trying and not cowering in his mansion.
I agree this appears silly. How much does a rented plane and pilot cost for say an hour? Why not drive around in a pickup or stake truck?