Sede Vacante
Like everyone else, this morning, I woke to the news of Pope Francis's death. This requires a period of deep mourning for those of us who are Catholic, which puts us at odds with the most joyous of seasons. For Catholics, Easter is not just a day but a season. The octave of Easter, ending on Divine Mercy Sunday, is set aside for feasting and celebrating. The entire season ends at Pentecost, fifty days from the Solemnity itself.
“We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song!” - Saint John Paul II
Yet here we are mourning the passing of our leader, one with whom many struggled. I found him baffling at points, but my faith does not require me to always understand the inner workings of the Vatican or any off-hand comments made by the Pope; my faith is in Christ and remains so. This made shaking off what I found odd about him and appreciating him easier. His deep concern for the poor, the lonely, and the outsiders of society, I found to be entirely heartfelt and genuine, and an excellent example to the faithful.
He had expressed on a few occasions that his quick decision-making often created problems, and I could relate to that, being someone who is inclined to be hasty more often than not.
I pray for the Pope as part of my daily devotions, and now I will pray for his soul and whoever will succeed him.
Meanwhile, I will continue eating carrot cake.
I was reading The Pillar this morning, and they shared the story below about a letter in Pope Francis’ breviary. I thought it was a beautiful letter written by a loving grandmother.
At his ordination, his grandmother Rosa gave him a letter that he would keep in his breviary for the rest of his life. “May these my grandchildren, to whom I have given the best of my heart, have a long and happy life,” she wrote, “but if on some painful day, sickness or the loss of a loved one fills you with grief, remember that a sigh before the Tabernacle, where the greatest and most august martyr resides, and a gaze at Mary at the foot of the Cross, can make a drop of balm fall on the deepest and most painful wounds.”
I have a book review coming up for this week, a new series that had me laughing out loud. A skin care post and hopefully a few other things. Have a lovely week my friends.
Beautiful tribute to Pope Francis. Thank you for sharing.
RIP, Francis. I am not a Catholic, but Francis was somebody that I admired and respected, particularly for the way he embraced many who have been ignored, abused and marginalized. I hope his successor continues on the same path.