St. Thomas Law LL.M. Student Interprets for Papal Visit to Cuba

St.Thomas Law LL.M Student, Mary Iacibelli as she appeared
on ABC News.

Ms. Mary Iacobelli, a student in St. Thomas Law's  LL.M. Program in Intercultural Human Rights had the special honor of serving as an interpreter in the live coverage by Channel 10 ABC News of the Holy Father's visit to Cuba. She interpreted live, from Spanish into English, the Welcome Ceremony on Saturday, September 19th and the three Holy Masses celebrated by Pope Francis in the cities of Havana, Holguin and Santiago de Cuba held on September 20, 21 and 22 respectively. 

 Ms. Iacobelli was thrilled to have been chosen for this extraordinary job. 

"The messages of Pope Francis in all three homilies were especially moving.  He spoke of the need to live life authentically with a commitment to our neighbor through service which truly serves, and is not self -serving; to not serve ideas but rather to serve people and not forget to care for the most vulnerable in our society.  He spoke of mercy and compassion especially for the elderly, the sick, the imprisoned, the poor and the marginalized and the need to go out to visit those in need,"  stated Ms. Iacobelli. 

" He talked about not casting judgment on others and overcoming preconceptions." she continued.  "He stressed the obligation to respect the human rights and dignity of each person.   He also talked of the importance of dialogue and reconciliation in the peacemaking process and commended Colombia on his efforts in this regard. As a human rights student, I felt at home with Pope Francis' message. His peaceful voice and his genuine love and care is a blessing that will stay with me forever."