Cardinal Maradiaga
Amateur Pilot
Posted on 03/08/2005 4:26:24 PM PST by SwinneySwitch
San Antonio police department pilot Eddie Ramirez is used to talking shop with fellow aircraft enthusiasts. He's just never met one who could potentially be the next pope.
Cardinal Oscar Andres Rodriguez Maradiaga is visiting from Honduras. Being an avid pilot he wanted to stop at Stinson Airfield to see the police department's blue eagle.
“The cardinal sat in chopper for the first time and he did a real quick blessing. Now I’m really blessed,” Ramirez said.
Ramirez is counting those blessings.
Especially after the blue eagle he was in last year had engine failure and crashed into an H-E-B parking lot.
Now he's showing off the department's newest -and now blessed- chopper.
As Cardinal Rodriguez gets ready for a tour, there's a chance he could also soon take flight to become the next pope.
Some recent articles have named him as one of the top 10 cardinals under consideration.
The 60 year old's heard the talk, but said for now his heart is in Honduras.
“What I really would like is to continue working in my place, Honduras. There is a lot of poverty and we need to be there to help the people,” Rodriguez said.
Ultimately, the church's senior leaders will decide where this honorary blue eagle co-pilot will end up.
For now, Cardinal Rodriguez will continue his anti-poverty mission and the giving of his special blessings.
Spurs fans will be happy to know during the tour they went over the SBC Center where Rodriguez also blessed the SBC Center. Hopefully the Spurs will keep up the winning streak.
Go Spurs!
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