Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Easter Monday heralded the news of the death of Pope Francis. On Easter Sunday he imparted his Easter Blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and greeted the people in the square from the popemobile. He celebrated the Risen Lord and then joined Him a few hours later!
The low-key funeral on Saturday, attended by leaders from around the globe and many faithful, was a dignified farewell to a much-loved Pope whose mercy and compassion became the hallmarks of his pontificate. Even his simple casket was a testament to his humility and closeness to the people.
Pope Francis served the Church with a deeply pastoral heart, calling all the faithful to a renewed spirit of mercy, humility, and closeness to those on the margins. He reminded the world that the Church is not a distant institution, but a “field hospital after battle,” where wounds are healed, and every person is treated with dignity and compassion.
He emphasized a Church that needs to walk with the people, and encouraged pastors to walk alongside their flock, to “carry the smell of the sheep”. This pastoral style was evident in his constant outreach to the poor, the sick, migrants and prisoners, the forgotten ones.
With gentle yet prophetic clarity, he spoke of a God who never tires of forgiving, and a Church that must be a sign of hope in a broken world. His vision was grounded in the Gospel message of love. People need to be met where they are, not where we think they should be.
Francis also reinvigorated the Church’s commitment to listening through synodality, encouraging dialogue among clergy and laity alike. He believes that the Holy Spirit speaks not only through the hierarchy but also through the lived experience of the faithful.
Through his humble lifestyle, his call for the care of our common home, his plea for peace and human fraternity, Pope Francis continually pointed us to Jesus—the Good Shepherd who seeks the lost, heals the broken, and welcomes the outsider.
May his legacy inspire us to live with greater love, courage, and mercy. In honouring Pope Francis, we give thanks for a shepherd who reminds us that at the heart of the Church there is the tender, ever-welcoming love of Christ.
God bless you.
Fr Silvio
