Requiescat in Pace

Pray for the Repose of the Soul of Pope Francis

Pope Francis, Requiescat in Pace.

This morning, we woke to the news of the passing of Pope Francis.  Some of us have lived under five popes, but for most of our students, they have only lived under Pope Francis.  Over the next couple of weeks, I ask you to speak and share your thoughts about the Holy Father and pray for his soul as a family.  Early in his pontificate, the phrase or statement most often quoted by Pope Francis was that “Christians should meet people where they are, especially those on the fringe.”  I have heard homilies, meditations, and read articles about what the Holy Father meant by this phrase.  Pope Francis spoke about the fringe in many ways; one suggestion was that we did not have to travel far or go to strangers, but at times, our family members or those closest to us, such as friends and coworkers, may be the fringe.  We are to bring them closer to Christ through small actions, not large, grandiose events.  Continuing the thoughts of Pope St. John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis, when asked how we are to bring others closer to Christ, taught that it is through our witnessing to others that they will see Christ in us, and ultimately, His love.  

Tomorrow we will begin a school-wide novena for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis.  We will share it with the community each day so you can pray as a family.

Here is one of many websites to read more about Pope Francis.
Ascension Press also has a Novena for the Pope on its app.