The couple left their jobs in food service and marketing to lead their children on the unforgettable tour of the Americas in Francisca, their 1980 van, using savings and soliciting donations to fund the trip to the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. “Ours and all”, they said upon their arrival in Philadelphia, where they have been attending the 2015 World Meeting of Families.
Advertisement
The Walker family – four children and their parents, Noël Zemborain and Alfredo “Catire” Walker – got a phone call at 6 a.m. Sunday asking them to go immediately to the St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Zemborain recounted on the family’s Facebook page.
Francis, who also praised the family’s courage, met with the Walkers between sessions with victims of sex abuse and US bishops, said Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi.
Francesca the bus had its share of breakdowns…but the family pressed on. “We decided it was worth it, to take the risk”. Blanco and Cardona, who work for the Diocese of Raleigh’s Hispanic ministry, ran into them again in Philadelphia. “It was very refreshing to hear them tell their story”. “Just go and pack and live as a family – shared values and virtues”.
When they were finally there and in his presence, Francis looked at them and, laughing, said: “You are the family who traveled from Buenos Aires?”
The Walker family in Mexico City last month on their way to Philadelphia to see Pope Francis. The Volkswagen was initially planned to be shipped back to Argentina – however, a relative has agreed to drive the van all the way from Miami to Buenos Aires!
On the way, they saw the sights – even the White House.
Advertisement
“We would love to give him a big hug, but I think it’s going to be hard with so many people and security”, Zemborain said with a laugh.
