HABEMUS PAPAM!

Well, here we are on the eve of our new Holy Father’s Inaugural Mass.

The last month has been a momentous one in the Church.  Pope Benedict’s resignation was unexpected and alarming to some – was he seriously ill or perhaps dying? Were the scandals in the Church too much for him to face?  This hasn’t been done in 600 years… is he making a statement about changing the papacy??  It seems like the most simple and likely answer is that he is frail and most likely in failing health.  He was wise enough to know that he could not steer the barque of Peter with the sureness that was needed at this time.  With great humility, he recognized that there was someone else who could do it better than he could.  After his final farewells, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI quietly entered Castel Gandolfo to live a life of prayer for the Church.  Outside the castle walls, the world erupted in chatter about when the next Pope would be elected and more importantly WHO it would be. I am a dedicated Pope-aphile.  I love all things Vatican and I jumped in with both feet reading and researching who the likely candidates could be.

I grew up with John Paul II.  I loved him for his ease with the people and his love of the young.  In my college years, his World Youth Day addresses made me feel like I was part the Church NOW… not just the future of the church.  His writings on the Theology of the Body changed my whole way of thinking.  He made me want to live my faith vibrantly and faithfully.  Then he died and Pope Benedict XVI stepped into the famous red shoes of the fisherman.  I wasn’t sure what to think of our new Holy Father… he was quieter, didn’t seem quite as comfortable with the spotlight.  Yet, his writings moved me, here was a deep thinker with the ability to make even complex theology understandable.  His love of Jesus and personal relationship with Him was evident and just as I was beginning to love Benedict XVI, he retired!

As the days of the Conclave approached, I joined my sisters in daily prayer for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  Some were saying they wanted a pope who was this or a pope from here … I didn’t have any strong preferences.  I think I secretly hoped he might be from the US but really – I just wanted one who would lead us in holiness.

Enter Pope Francis!  Jorge Mario Cardinal  Bergoglio was one of the names I heard mentioned in my web-surfing.  I was excited about him as he was from South America and yet of Italian descent – a bridge perhaps.  So… I was thrilled when I heard his name read after the HABEMUS PAPAM!!  WOW!  A pope from the new world, a Jesuit, FRANCIS… all kinds of firsts were happening.  His papacy is still in its natal stages – yet, I love him already.  He is humble, gentle, funny, and kind.  These things have already been seen.  He is devout, prayerful, and committed to the teachings of the Church, this, too has already been witnessed.  Now what remains to be seen is how he will shepherd and administer this unruly flock of sheep that has been entrusted to his care.  I imagine it will be by showing us how to live lives of simplicity and holiness.  The Holy Spirit is with him, the prayers of 1.2 billion people are supporting him, and he has entrusted himself to the protection of the Blessed Mother – he’s starting off on the right foot – even if it’s not in a red shoe!

VIVA IL PAPA!! VIVA!

 

Praying with the Church

Its 10 Am, on March 6th.  The Cardinal Electors have issued a Universal Call to Prayer for the Church as they prepare for the Conclave.

It’s been an eon since I posted a blog but not for lack of THINKING about posting  one!  I thought I would just jump back in with my random prayer intentions for our Holy Church during these days.

- For the Cardinals who will be electing the new Vicar of Christ -may they have clear vision, deep insight, and the purest motives.

- For the faithful around the world, may we continue to be living examples of the Gospel – for grace and strength to go against the tide of popular culture

- For a deep cleansing of all areas of sin in our church, in our communities, and most importantly in each of our hearts.

- For the joy of the Holy Spirit to fill the hearts of all the faithful, may our zeal for the Lord inspire many!

- For the young in our Church, may they not grow tired in doing good, may they seek the Lord who fulfills all their desires,

- For deeper understanding and greater awareness of the great Theology of the Body, may we end the culture of death and establish the reign of the LORD of LIFE.

- For our next Holy Father, may God protect, guide, and guard him always.

Thanks for praying with me!!  Hopefully, I will be back soon.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Blessings to you all this fine Thanksgiving day. We have much for which to be grateful – even in the midst of the chaos, unrest, and darkness in our world. Jesus is still Lord and He reigns. Praise God!!

I want to share with you the words to one of my favorite hymns… it seems fitting for this day of thanksgiving.

O GOD BEYOND ALL PRAISING


O God beyond all praising,
we worship you today
and sing the love amazing
that songs cannot repay;
for we can only wonder
at every gift you send,
at blessings without number
and mercies without end:
we lift our hearts before you
and wait upon your word,
we honor and adore you,
our great and mighty Lord.

Then hear, O gracious Savior,
accept the love we bring,
that we who know your favor
may serve you as our king;
and whether our tomorrows
be filled with good or ill,
we’ll triumph through our sorrows
and rise to bless you still:
to marvel at your beauty
and glory in your ways,
and make a joyful duty
our sacrifice of praise.
- by Michael Perry

Thankful Tuesday

Its been a while since I have posted anything…here’s what I am giving thanks for today.

- for the gift of friends that can listen to what is underneath the words I am saying.

- for the grace of asking and receiving forgiveness

- for the wonderful week spent with my family in St. Louis – trip to the zoo, great Indian food, happy surprises

- for being able to share my love of  poetry with a  new friend who also loves words and the images they evoke

- for cool fall weathers and the lovely colors of this season

- for the simple joy I have found in daily exercise (this is pure grace because I hate sweating!) … even at 4:30 a.m.

- for the blessing of being called to this life of prayer and community