Habemus papam!
Who would have guessed we’d have a new pope at the time of this writing? These past weeks have been filled with transitions as the month of May sends us whirling into new life with renewed spirits.
Sunshine strengthens and sunsets linger, rounding out the fullness of our days. As temperatures swing, people don shorts and sweatshirts around the fire pit. Neighbors see each other and wave from a distance. Many of us step outside for exercise and well-being.
People seem happy yet still cautious about tomorrow. Easter joy resounds even as alleluias fade and the sprinkling rite wanes. We await renewal through the Holy Spirit as we celebrate Jesus’ ascension, empowering us to go forth and share the good news of the Gospel.
The election of Pope Leo XIV sent waves of hope throughout the world. Our mourning after the death of Pope Francis led to the excitement of Pope Leo XIV’s election. The papal conclave kept us glued to our devices. White smoke was a sign of hope.
As the days march on, we celebrate anniversaries, graduations, first Communions, confirmations and weddings. May is the month we celebrate ordination anniversaries, final vows and ministry within the Church. Many priests celebrate their anniversaries, not believing how fast the year past has gone, yet thankful for God’s grace that has enabled us to serve in many different capacities. The richness of the priesthood, religious life, and a lay vocation only increases as investing in the love of Jesus Christ offers life-giving dividends. We celebrate all who mark anniversaries and especially those who have served for an abundance of years. Thank you for your ministry.
We acknowledge many accomplishments in May. Graduations abound, from pre-school to eighth grade to high school to undergraduate and graduate studies. We celebrate all who are making significant transitions from studies to more studies, to making their way in the world. Exciting but fearful times await with new challenges, and the unknown lies around every corner.
We pray for our youth and young adults who have so much to offer in a changing and challenging world. New beginnings offer fresh hope when seasoned with humility.
In the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, we check to see which clergy members are being reassigned, who will stay in their parish and where the soon-to-be-ordained will begin their ministries.
We appreciate the men and women who are retiring and pray that they find time to sit and relax with God. We pray for everyone who is engrossed in a transition that invites discerning souls to be open to God’s grace. We pray for parishioners and seek their patience, understanding and love as they welcome a new pastor or parochial vicar. We pray for those who serve in the many capacities that go unnoticed as the Holy Spirit enables them to serve with the message of Jesus Christ’s love for all.
We pray that Mary, our mother, continues to intercede for her Church in this archdiocese and in the world. In this Jubilee Year with its theme Pilgrims of Hope, we look for hope, we work for justice and we pray for peace. So many need our prayers.
Speaking for all priests, deacons, bishops and religious: We thank you for your prayers. Your prayers keep us enveloped in God’s spirit, aware of our humanness, and they encourage us to take time to relax.
Encourage your priest, pastor, friend, religious brother or sister or sibling these spring and summer days to go to a ballgame, take a walk, read a book, go fishing, eat some ice cream. We all need support and encouragement.
“Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.”
Amen and alleluia!
