A Man of God

They called it a miracle that Pope Francis had survived his most recent illness. While not looking well, he made appearances at the balcony to bless the faithful. He seemed to be returning to his role as the head of the Church slowly. Many believed their prayers had been answered.

God does answser all prayers, just not always in the way we want them answsered. He does so in His time, according to His plan. Somehow it seems fitting that God called Pope Francis home on this Easter Monday. While some within the Church, especially among the Traditionalist, struggled with his leadership, he was no less Christ’s vicar, chosen to lead the Church through some frightening times. May he rest in peace.

In churches all around the world the faithful will soon gather to pray a Novena for Pope Francis. A novena consists of praying the Holy Rosary for nine days asking for the eternal rest of someone who has fallen asleep. The first day of a novena is the day following a Christian burial. Whenever possible each day of a Novena should be followed by a Mass. God knows that in death there is a sense of loss, of uncertainty as to what to do next. Nine days of prayer are as much for the living as the dead. May the peace of the Lord be with us all.

May the Lord give Pope Francis eternal rest
And shine for him the perpetual light.
May he rest in peace with the Lord
Amen.