It was a sunny day with beautiful blue skies and warm temperatures on Wednesday, May 10, 2017, as we awaited the arrival of Pope Francis riding in his Pope-mobile through St. Peter’s Square. Shirley and I were there with our group of thirty-some Mitten Synod pilgrims traveling to Germany and Italy in commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Sister Nancy Brousseau and Bishop Craig Satterlee were our leaders on this pilgrimage.
Pope Francis came within yards of where we were standing. His smile, his obvious joy at being among the hundreds of people who were able to get tickets for admission to the Square that day, and the kindness and gentleness of his smile and demeanor was one of the highlights of our pilgrimage. It was so apparent that he loved people and especially the children, as he was so willing to interact with so many.
The Church and the world have been transformed by his ground-breaking leadership throughout the past 12 years. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. The attached picture is one that we took as he passed by us.
Following is a prayer that he wrote that comes from the depths of his love for our broken world and a prayer that is so desperately needed today:
Enlighten those who possess power and money that they may avoid the sin of indifference, that they may love the common good, advance the weak, and care for this world in which we live… O Lord, seize us with your power and light, help us to protect all life, to prepare for a better future, for the coming of your kingdom of justice, peace, love, and beauty. Amen. “Christ in Our Home” Spring 2025 Edition
Peace, Vernon T.
Pope Francis came within yards of where we were standing. His smile, his obvious joy at being among the hundreds of people who were able to get tickets for admission to the Square that day, and the kindness and gentleness of his smile and demeanor was one of the highlights of our pilgrimage. It was so apparent that he loved people and especially the children, as he was so willing to interact with so many.
The Church and the world have been transformed by his ground-breaking leadership throughout the past 12 years. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. The attached picture is one that we took as he passed by us.
Following is a prayer that he wrote that comes from the depths of his love for our broken world and a prayer that is so desperately needed today:
Enlighten those who possess power and money that they may avoid the sin of indifference, that they may love the common good, advance the weak, and care for this world in which we live… O Lord, seize us with your power and light, help us to protect all life, to prepare for a better future, for the coming of your kingdom of justice, peace, love, and beauty. Amen. “Christ in Our Home” Spring 2025 Edition
Peace, Vernon T.
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