Pope Francis

At COHR Pope Francis has held a special place over the past few years with our lifesize cut out appearing in our Foyer at important times in the Church's year or our school sacramental calendar. He even participated in our Art Show last year, overlooking our year 3/4 redesigns for the Swiss Guards, who cared for him so well.

With the passing of Pope Francis, just before we began Term 2, it was fitting that we began our term with a special prayer service to remember his life and pray for him in death. At this service I set the children the challenge of remembering Pope Francis by following his example in treating everyone they meet with respect and care, ensuring that all the people we meet feel Christ's love from being with us. A difficult challenge!

The foillowing article and prayer are from the Australian Catholics magazine, they offer a positive reflection on this great man's life and an opportunity to pray for him and us.

The death of the Pope marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the life of the Catholic Church. Just a day earlier, he appeared before the faithful in Saint Peter’s Square, offering his Easter blessing and a message of peace and freedom. It was his final public gesture in a life devoted to service.

Fellow Jesuit, Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ writes in his article In praise of Pope Francis, 'In a world that sees refugees and immigrants as a threat, disregards the victims of war, trashes the environment, rewards self-interest and cheapens religious faith, he has wept with those mistreated, pleaded their cause and preached a Gospel of joy. He has faced all the things that make for gloom, done what he could to change them, and remained full of hope'. 

For Catholic school communities, this is a deeply significant and emotional moment.

National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) Executive Director Jacinta Collins expressed profound sadness and gratitude for the Pope’s unwavering commitment to education as a path to peace, justice and human dignity. 

'Through initiatives like the Global Compact on Education, Pope Francis challenged us to come together to place the individual at the centre of learning and faith formation, and to create educational systems that foster synodality, dialogue, solidarity and care for our common home.'

In remembering Pope Francis, we continue the mission he championed: one of mercy, courage, and compassion.

Prayer in Memory of Pope Francis

Loving God,

Today we remember with sorrow and gratitudeyour servant Pope Francis,

who returned to You after a life poured out in love and service.

Even in his final days, he brought hope to the world—

blessing us on Easter Sunday,

speaking words of peace, freedom, and compassion.

We thank You for his courage, humility,

and tireless work for justice, unity, and care for the poor.

May his example guide our hearts,

and may his spirit of mercy live on in our words and actions.

Welcome him into the light of Your presence,

and comfort Your Church as we journey forward in faith.

Through Christ our Lord,

Amen.

Ref: Australian Catholics