Pope Francis

As a faith filled community, last week we met with the sorrowful news of Pope Francis' passing. His death has sent ripples across the globe, reflecting the profound impact he had on individuals from all walks of life. Our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis a shepherd of compassion, justice, and mercy, touched the hearts of millions around the world with his humility and wisdom. His papacy has been a guiding light for our Church and a source of inspiration for our school community. As we grieve this great loss, we give thanks for his life and legacy, and we unite in prayer for the peaceful repose of his soul.

Pope Francis delivered his final public address on Easter Sunday at St Peter's Square in the Vatican, before a crowd of more than 20,000. In his frail state, he requested the master of liturgical ceremonies read the message he had written. His final words resonate with his enduring legacy. Below is an extract from his Easter message: 

“We must look for Christ elsewhere…He is no longer a prisoner of death…we must look for him…we cannot remain stationary. We must take action, set out to look for him: look for him in life, look for him in the faces of our brothers and sisters, look for him in everyday business...look for him without ceasing.”

With the conclave soon to begin in Rome, we join the global Church in prayerful hope, asking the Holy Spirit to guide the cardinals in choosing our next pope. It is during this time that we are reminded of the immense importance of being guided by a leader who shows compassion, kindness, and a deep commitment to serving others. I would like to share with you a reflection that I came across during the week on this very topic written by Sr Kym Harris osb.

Leadership

Leadership is very much in the news. The world has been reflecting on the legacy of Pope Francis, and many are pondering what type of leader the next Pope could be. We are also choosing leadership for our country.

So, this is a good time to ask not only what type of leader we each want but also, how are we to act as leaders. As parents, guardians, grandparents, teachers, we lead – whether we feel up to it or not. There are so many different aspects to leadership of our child/ren: giving direction, offering comfort, correcting, affirming, challenging – all the while providing for the needs of daily life, while looking after the whole family (or class) and our own selves. Feeling swamped?

This is a good space to ponder what type of leadership do we want from God, and how we could reflect that love to the needs of our family. Take some time each day, perhaps a minute or two, to rest in God’s love before the day begins and ask for direction for the tasks you are facing that day. Ask for the wisdom and grace that will give you the perspective to lead in love. Then trust that loving guidance will follow you through the day.

Loving God, you know how I can feel overwhelmed with the demands that are made on me in loving my child/ren. Give me the time and space to draw my strength and wisdom from you. I ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear me.

Sr Kym Harris osb

Pope Francis brought a unique and heartfelt approach to his papacy. Many of you may remember how he chose to live simply in the Vatican guesthouse rather than the grand papal apartments, showing us all the importance of humility and compassion. He often reminded the world that caring for the poor, protecting the environment, and building bridges between different communities are not just Church teachings, but human responsibilities. His famous description of the Church as “a field hospital where wounds could be healed and hearts could be warmed was a call to a renewal of the Church’s life and mission, grounded in a return to Christ as the source and inspiration of everything the Church sought to do and to be”.

In remembrance of Pope Francis, this week in our classrooms, we’ve shared the hymn ‘We are God’s Hands’ by Andrew Chinn. This was a timely reminder for us all to reflect on the ways we can be guided by Pope Francis teaching to serving others with love and humility. A prayer to remind us of the importance of going out into the world to make a difference.

To conclude, may Pope Francis’s legacy live on in our hearts and in the mission of the Church he so dearly loved.

Stephanie Travers
Assistant Principal - Catholic Identity and Wellbeing