Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In Memoriam....Pope Francis

I was at the grocery store on March 13, 2013, Shortly after noon when my Pope alarm on my phone went off. We have a new Holy Father. i rushed home to watch in the kitchen with my Parochial vicar Fr. Bruce and a few other staff people. I remember the words:

I announce to you a great joy; we have a pope: the most eminent and most reverend Lord, Lord Jorge Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church Bergoglio

who has taken the name Francis!

We all looked at each other and said "Who?" The world would quickly get to know this humble servant when he greeted the crowd as he stepped onto the balcony introduced himself with a humble "Buona sera." - "Good Evening". I remember him bowing to the crowd and to all of us and asked for our prayers. This would be the start of a humble papacy that would walk with the people, touch their wounds, and met them where they are. His papacy was never one of distance or protocol, but of proximity.

The picture about was taken in 2018 when I had the chance to shake his hand as a Missionary of Mercy. I had the honor to concelebrate 4 Masses with him. I have truly been blessed.

Pope Francis died as he lived - with his boots on wanting to b with the people he served. he did that on Easter Sunday. his last homily went like this:

"Dear brothers and sisters, in the Lord's Paschal Mystery, death and life contended in a stupendous struggle, but the Lord now lives forever. he fills us with the certainty that we too are call to share in the life that knows no end, when the clash of arms and the rumble of death will be heard no more let us entrust ourselves to him,

for he alone can make all things new."

As he shared his illness with the world, Pope Francis gave me new hope and courage as I continue my journey. "Our bodies are weak but, even like this, nothing can prevent us from loving, praying, giving ourselves , being for each other, in faith, shining signs of hope." Rest easy in the arms of Jesus, Holy Father. Rest in peace.

Father Marty.