Habemus Papam

Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.

Today we begin a new chapter in Church history. Pope Francis I is the new leader of the world's Catholics. Many are speculating about what kind of pope he will be and how his leadership will impact the future of the faithful. Only time will tell. We pray that God will guide him, making him a good and holy leader. We continue to believe that God looks favorably upon us.

The saint after whom the pope has chosen his name, St. Francis of Assisi, was told by God to rebuild the Church. We anxiously await the direction the Holy Father will take to emulate his namesake.

In the meantime, here are some words for reflection from former Pope John Paul II and St. Francis.

The Church wishes to serve this single end: that each person may be able to find Christ, in order that Christ may walk with each person.
~ John Paul II from Redemptor Hominis 

All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.
~ St. Francis of Assisi from The Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi

Other words from St. Francis

The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today. 

Lord, grant me the strength to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference. 

We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home those who have lost their way. 

He who works with his hands is a laborer.
He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman.
He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist. 

The Prayer of St. Francis 

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness; light;
and where there is sadness, joy. 

O Divine master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.