It was with huge sadness that we heard last Monday of the death of our beloved Pope Francis. We knew that he had been struggling with his health, but we hoped and hoped he would continue to improve. But he had been called to heaven and he must go.
If we look back, we see what a precious and hope filled time it has been having him leading our church over the last 12 years. Did we always realise what a blessing he was?
From the very beginning we would presume that he had something special to offer us as Secular Franciscans when he chose the name Francis. Then he gave the world the year of mercy, reminding us of the mercy of Jesus toward all people, not only through words but by demonstrating it in action.
He gave us Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti. What better call could there be to mobilise secular Franciscans to live out their vocation in the world. Then we had our OFS General Chapter in 2021 where he took time to meet each of us personally, and to give his unique message to OFS throughout the world.
Since then, he has opened the doors of the church even wider and given us a synod on synodality. And now he has left the world, at Easter in the Jubilee year of hope! Could we ever doubt that God is with us!
How much we have been blessed through Pope Francis! what a good and faithful servant he has been. May he be blessed now in the warm embrace of the beloved Lord.
Peace and all good Kathy (OFSGB National Minister)
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