The College of Cardinals is sequestered and are beginning their work of choosing the 267th Pope who will lead the Catholic Church. Now the faithful and the curious are looking at a chimney that is coming out of the Sistine Chapel. They have had one vote and that chimney was blowing black smoke, meaning they have more votes to come. It will be interesting to see who they select. Right now, God only knows.
This angel statue is on display at church and I found it to be inspirational. Angels are always around us. Some we see and others we don’t.
Today is the funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican City. He will be very much missed by Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
I am not Catholic, but I am a fan of The Pope and the Catholic Church. Pope Francis was priest of the people. He focused his ministry on taking care of people on the margins, the migrants, the LGBTQ person and importantly the poor. The church universal should use Francis’ example of being on the streets, ministering to the hearts and souls of people who need it most. The Catholic Church needs to continue on the track of what Francis did during his papacy. Rest in power, Pope Francis.
Pope Francis, the Bishop of Rome and spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, passed away on April 21st, Easter Monday, from a stroke and heart failure. Earlier, he had been in the hospital for pneumonia. He was 88 years old. For 12 years he was Pope, and he made all those years count.
He was a Pope of the people. In his ministry he reached out to the marginalized, the immigrant, the LGBTQ community and was deeply concerned about issues of the environment and climate. Peace in Ukraine and Gaza were always on his heart and mind. He was more pastoral than some of his predecessors.
Francis, who was from Argentina, was the first Latin-America Pope ever. His life was about service and being humble. In his time at the Vatican, he lived frugally and without the bells and whistles of his office. Was he perfect, no.
He worked hard and practiced the command to love thy neighbors, and he made strides in bringing people of all walks of life together. I liked that he wanted to build bridges, not walls. He seemed to believe in building a bigger tent and to show mercy. He visited prisons, washed feet, and emulated Jesus Christ as best as he could.
His faith practice was at odds with some in the Catholic Church, but he was all about making the world a better place, no matter what his critics would say. All I can say is well done, good and faithful servant. Rest in power. You will be missed.
Before I got the job I have now, I did some volunteer work for a local charity that helps homeless folks transition to getting affordable housing. I answered phones and did some other things. I even served on the board of directors for a while. That was a fun thing to do as I looked for work. Volunteering is a good way to keep skills sharp and to give back.
At my church, I serve during the worship services as a communion assistant and as a live video streaming and sound tech. I have also served on the leadership team known as the vestry.
So I would guess I would do things for free that I feel passionate about and that can make a difference.
Today is Ash Wednesday in the Christian tradition. It’s the beginning of the season of Lent. During this season it’s a time to repent, reflect, pray, and draw closer to God. I served at my churches Ash Wednesday service as a way to begin this journey to Easter. Ashes to ashes. Dust to dust
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