"Imitating the love Pope Francis had for us, we now offer our heartfelt prayers, commending Pope Francis to the love and mercy of God as he crosses over the threshold from this life to eternal life. United to the See of Peter by the bonds of faith, hope and charity, we offer to God this successor to Saint Peter asking that he be welcomed into eternity by the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, and that the Lord will bestow upon him the mercy and love that our Holy Father, Pope Francis, preached, cherished and lived."

-Bishop Salvatore R. Matano-

As of now, reports out of the Vatican say Jubilee celebrations will continue. However, the Canonization of Carlo Acutis, due to take place on April 27, has been postponed, as there cannot be a canonization without a pope in place. The Jubilee of Persons with Disabilities is happening on the 28th and 29th. Pope Francis was an advocate for individuals with disabilities. Read more about his views in an article from last year, below:

Beatitudes for Friends of People with Disabilities

Blessed are you who take the time to listen to difficult speech, for you help me to know that if I persevere, I can be understood.

Blessed are you who never bid me to “hurry up” and take my tasks from me and do them for me, for I often need time rather than help.

Blessed are you who stand beside me as I enter new and untried ventures, for my failures will be outweighed by the times I surprise myself and you.

Blessed are you who asked for my help, for my greatest need is to be needed.

Blessed are you who understand that it is difficult for me to put my thoughts into words.

Blessed are you who, with a smile, encourage me to try once more.

Blessed are you who never remind me that today I asked the same question two times.

Blessed are you who respect me and love me as I am, and not like you wish I were.

From https://access-life.org/

Pope Francis' funeral Mass happened yesterday, April 26. A nine day mourning period (novendiales) began on the 26th and will continue until May 4th. All the faithful who mourn our Holy Father are encouraged to participate in the daily novena. It is provided below this brief article. Approximately 15-20 days following the death of the Pope, a Papal Conclave will begin, which is the process by which a new Pope is elected. The camerlengo, who is an American Cardinal by the name of Kevin Farrell, is responsible for overseeing the conclave. 135 Cardinals across the world are eligible to vote for the new pope. During the conclave, the Cardinals are not allowed to communicate with the world. In the secret ballot proceedings, a signal of white or black smoke is sent out the chimney after each vote. Black means a pope has not yet been chosen, white means we have a new pope. Voting takes place four times a day until a candidate receives 2/3 of the vote. The ballots are brought forth to a chalice. As each cardinal places his ballot into the chalice they say: "I call as my witness Christ the Lord who will be by judge that my vote is given to the one who before God I think should be elected." The ballots are counted and then burned to produce the white smoke or burned, with a chemical added, to produce the black smoke. The new Pope will be announced from the balcony of the Vatican and give a Papal Blessing. We will watch with the world until the white smoke appears!

Pope Francis studied chemistry in college, and worked as a chemist prior to preparing for the priesthood. As Pope, he took a stand on combating climate change and caring for the environment with his encyclical Laudato Si: Caring for our Common Home. With his background as a food chemist, he was able to discuss the importance of feeding humanity, and the impact that climate change might have on the agricultural industry. One of the more well known quotes from Pope Francis was: "Faith and science can be united in charity, provided that science is put at the service of the men and women of our time and not misused to harm or even destroy them."

Here is an interesting video to better understand why composting is better than sending your food scraps to a landfill. It provides you with a science experiment as well. Composting is a way your family can care for our common home in honor of Pope Francis!

O God,

from whom the just receive an

unfailing reward,

grant that your servant, Francis,

our Pope,

whom you made vicar of Peter and

Shepherd of your Church,

may rejoice for ever in the vision of

your glory,

for he was a faithful steward here on

earth

of the mysteries of your forgiveness

and grace.

The Pope was known for his great love of the poor and suffering. In fact, one of the last things he did was visit a prison on Holy Thursday. He emphasized that every individual deserves respect and love. Because he felt so strongly about mercy, his papal motto was Miserando atque eligendo which translates to: "he looked upon him with mercy and chose him." Here is one of his quotes about God's mercy: "Jesus' attitude is striking: we do not hear the words of scorn, we do not hear words of condemnation, but only words of love, of mercy, which are an invitation to conversation. "Neither do I condemn you; go, and do not sin again." Ah! Brothers and Sisters, God's face is the face of a merciful father who is always patient. Have you thought about God's patience, the patience He has with each one of us? That is His mercy. He always has patience, patience with us, He understands us, He waits for us, He does not tire of forgiving us if we are able to return to Him with a contrite heart. "Great is God's mercy," says the Psalm." Pope Francis will be remembered for his constancy in letting us know how much we are loved by God. How can your family be more merciful in your day to day interactions with one another and the world, sharing that immeasurable love? Pope Francis was said to have learned a prayer from his grandmother: Jesus, make my heart more like yours. May that be our prayer, as well.

Pope Francis grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina. At one time, he wanted to be a butcher. His mom experienced a complication during the birth of her fifth child, and she used a wheelchair. Pope Francis, whose birth name was Jorge, helped his mother make dinner every day after school. This is a great recipe you can make as a family!

Though we are mourn the loss of Pope Francis, we are comforted by the assurance that he will rise and live with God forever. Our hope in the Resurrection is a cornerstone of our faith. It is an important truth we can teach our kids from the earliest ages by incorporating some simple Easter season traditions. Here are some ideas for you to consider:

1. Hold an Easter egg hunt AFTER Easter. Eggs are a Resurrection symbol of New Life. Help them to understand the significance of the symbol by engaging in egg hunts on Easter Sunday or the days following! Invite friends and enjoy sharing Easter joy!

2. Plant an Easter garden.

3. Make an Alleluia banner to keep up for the 50 days of the Easter season.

4. Make a special date with your children's godparents.

5. Keep an Easter prayer table on display with white flowers and symbols of new life, throughout the Easter season.

6. Learn about butterflies as a sign of new life; take a hike and learn how to save monarch eggs found on milkweed and other plants. https://monarchbutterflylifecycle.com/blogs/raise/hunt-gather-protect-monarch-eggs#:~:text=Use%20a%20bowl%20or%20bucket,small%20piece%20off%20the%20plant.

7. Make windchimes to celebrate the feast of the Ascension.

8. Keep holy water to bless yourself during the whole season!

Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester

Editor: Leslie Barkin leslie.barkin@dor.org

Email: oec@dor.org
Website: oec.dor.org
Location: Diocese of Rochester, Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, USA
Phone: 585-328-3210

See them all here!