Editorial -

Visit to the Vatican

It was a sad time!

The death of Pope Francis meant that we were a sad people.

It was a joyous time!

Francis’ legacy is rich in pearls for each of us to reflect on and to apply in our mission. Respect for humanity, justice for peoples, especially the disadvantaged, were front of his mind and became more influential on our thinking.

Who can forget seeing Pope Francis wash the feet of prisoners?

Travelling the world, visiting countries whose peoples struggle with poverty, disadvantage and injustice, he taught us, showing us how to be with each other, his thinking underpinned by the exhortation to commit to Laudato Si’, on the care for our common home, for the preservation of our planet. He implored us, all of us, to assist each other, to be thoughtful and careful stewards of the sacredness of God’s creation, all of God’s creation.

Kildare Ministries entered into Vatican Government caretaker time in Rome, travelling to meet with the Vatican Dicastery to whom we make our Annual Report through the Members Council, representative of both the Brigidine Congregation in Australia and the Presentation Congregation in Victoria. Greeted by Fr Richard Welch and Sr Rosemary Rese, members of the Dicastery, both from the United States, we presented the Kildare Ministries narrative of the last ten years. In a document, prepared by Erica Pegorer and given a beautiful, pictorial, Australian theme by Padraig McCahey, we demonstrated the evolution and development of Kildare Ministries as a Public Juridic Person, and our mission throughout our thirteen ministries.

The Trustees have both canonical and civil responsibilities, and the Vatican representatives were interested in our Kildare Ministries narrative. Of particular interest were the Living Justice Living Peace Charter and the Missional Governance Statement, and how they influence our thinking about mission. They affirmed that the story and Gospel of Jesus is clearly visible in the work of the ministries and that the charisms of the Brigidine and Presentation Congregations are alive and well, as inspiration for the pathway we build together. Kildare Ministries received a big tick of approval for its ten years.

We are deeply grateful to all present and former Trustees, our Executive Director, our Mission and Ministry Team, Committees, members of the various faith and civil networks, our Principals and Managers and the Boards of the Ministries.  Together, in trusting relationships, Kildare Ministries has committed to these educational and community works to continue the mission of caring, now, and having an impact for the future of the more vulnerable in our society.

Walking out into the crowds in St Peter’s Square, after our morning meeting, we soon saw the black smoke, the result for that morning, the second time it had arisen from the Conclave meeting to choose the successor to Pope Francis. There was a sadness in the Square but held within an atmosphere, a feeling, of hope.

Later that afternoon, Rome was a cacophony of sirens, bells ringing, shouting, police cars, racing to the Vatican ……. the joyous time had arrived!  The Conclave had been successful, a decision made.

We welcome and celebrate the election of Pope Leo XIV.

Rosemary Copeland and Kathy McEvoy

Co-Chairs Trustees of Kildare Ministries