Silence fell over the lawn at Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo Catholic University in Chiclayo when Maria de los Angeles Guzman Valle took the microphone to share her testimony.

She is an accomplished university professor and computer engineer, and above all, a mother. Her son Agustin is 20 and has autism and epilepsy. During the pandemic, he developed cancer, and the family had to live apart so he could receive the care he needed.

Maria called all of this “the greatest blessing.” For her, it was the blessing of God making His presence felt each day amid their trials.

Her words moved the more than 5,000 people gathered at the university. Pope Leo was moved, too. After listening to her testimony, he went over to her and said, “Thank you for your faithfulness.”

“Meeting the Pope was a grace I hadn’t expected,” Professor Guzman told Vatican News on the sidelines of the event, walking beside Agustin’s wheelchair and holding his hand the whole time.

Q: Professor, you spoke with the Pope about your life, your son’s situation, and how your faith has grown stronger. How do you feel after meeting him?

I feel immense happiness. It was truly an extraordinary grace, a grace I hadn’t expected. And it really is a grace I received thanks to my son, Agustin.

He’s the one who brought so many wonderful people into our lives, and today he gave us the chance to meet the Pope as well.

Q: What did Pope Leo say to you after hearing your testimony?

He told me, “Thank you for your faithfulness.” He also pointed out that today, the very day we met, is the feast of St. Augustine. It’s a lovely coincidence, since my son’s name is Agustin.

Q: You said that everything you went through brought your family closer together. Based on your experience, what advice would you give families in Peru and around the world?

Whether or not they have a child with a disability like my son, my advice is to put their trust in God. He alone sustains us in whatever situation we find ourselves. Entrust yourselves to God and to Our Lady, and never give up praying the Rosary, because our Mother really does lead us to God.

We need to keep our faith alive and pass it on to our children from an early age at home, above all by example. We have to set that example ourselves. Our children need to see us put our faith into practice at home so that they grow up seeing what it means to live an authentic faith.

Q: Where do you find the strength to carry on each day amid the difficulties you face?

In prayer, in prayer alone. I ask God for help and put ourselves in His hands, trusting that what happens is for the best according to His plan. And then, as I said, I find strength in the Rosary and in devotion to Mary.

The Catholic groups we’ve belonged to as a family since the children were little are also a great source of support. When we’re in danger of straying, they’re the ones who lead us back to God. My son truly is a blessing.

Q: How do you balance the demands of your work with family life and caring for Agustin?

During the day, when we’re out, someone looks after Agustin. We stay involved and keep track of everything, with the help of technology. When we leave for work, there’s someone at home to care for him.

His sisters are there for him, too. When we’re out, they keep him company, look after him, and know his needs very well. His second sister is 18 and the youngest is only 11, but they know exactly how to help him.

Sometimes, for example, he needs oxygen, and they know how to give it to him. They’re like nurses to their brother at home.

Q: In light of your experience, what can the Church do to help families caring for someone with a severe disability?

I think visibility and awareness are essential for children with disabilities. It’s important that we feel comfortable when we go out in public, without feeling that people are staring because we’re different or because our situation seems strange to them.

We need to raise awareness and help people understand that a disability never diminishes a person’s dignity. Above all, we are all equal before God.

Q: Pope Leo was an important part of life in Peru and Chiclayo for many years. What do you think might come of this meeting?

It’s true that the Pope has been part of our lives. He was our bishop and often presided over Catholic events here at this very university and elsewhere in Chiclayo.

I think he’s one of the people who can do the most to inspire young people, especially the rising generations, to become better.

I’m thinking of the values we’re missing today, the ones we learn first at home and that he also knows how to pass on through his spirituality.