Today, before the sacred remains of our dear Pope Francis, I stood in prayer — not only for him, but with him. With deep emotion, we entrust him to the loving arms of the Blessed Mother, who once promised our founders that she would never abandon our Order. We now commend our beloved Holy Father to her maternal care.
As he so often asked, “Pray for me,” we now turn the request back to him: Holy Father, pray for us. Pray for the Church you loved and shepherded with humility and tender strength. Pray for us who remain, now preparing to receive your successor, that we may stay faithful to the Christ-like spirit you modeled.
Thank you, Papa Francesco, for teaching us to walk humbly, to embrace our humanity, and to see Christ in every face. You reminded us that true leadership means service, that true faith means mercy, and that to be Church is to be family.
We do not say goodbye forever — only, “Ci vediamo a presto, Papa Francesco.” With Mary, with our founders, and with grateful hearts, we ask your intercession as we continue our pilgrimage toward the Kingdom you preached with your life.
Rest in peace, beloved shepherd. And continue to walk with us.
– Fr. Ted, CRM
