The Sisters of Saint Joseph join Catholics and people around the world to mourn the death of Pope Francis. We give thanks for his deep faith, his strong leadership, his compassionate heart and his advocacy for justice.
Pope Francis cared for the poor and those on the edge. He also had a willingness to meet with world leaders and was not afraid to speak his truth.
As Sisters of Saint Joseph we always felt a special connection to Pope Francis. The Pope chose to begin his pontificate on the Feast of Saint Joseph (19 March 2013) and declared the Year of Joseph to be honoured and celebrated from 8 December 2020 to 8 December 2021. A highlight of this year for us as a Congregation was to receive a special greeting from Pope Francis.
It was my privilege to meet Pope Francis on two occasions while involved with International Union of Superiors General (UISG). On these occasions, he was ready to engage with the questions of Women Religious. He was particularly interested in those Religious living in war torn situations, those working with refugees, and those working in poverty-stricken areas. His warmth and openness were evident.
In 2023, Pope Francis held a General Audience, focusing on the life and example of Saint Mary MacKillop (1842-1909). Pope Francis said Mary MacKillop believed she was sent “to spread the Good News and invite others to encounter the living Christ.”
She read the signs of her times, he said, and felt drawn to found several schools to spread the Gospel through Catholic education.
“One essential characteristic of her zeal for the Gospel,” said Pope Francis, “was her desire to care for the poor and marginalised. This pushed her to go where others refused or were unable to go.”
Pope Francis noted that Saint Mary MacKillop learned to love the Cross of Christ and found her own way to respond to the needs of her times.
“May her efforts to form young people inspire us today,” he prayed, “and may her intercession sustain the daily work of parents, teachers, catechists, and all educators, carried out for the good of young people and a future that is more humane and full of hope.”
Liturgical Press shares A Prayer of Thanksgiving: We join the Church in mourning the death of Pope Francis. Pray with us in thanksgiving for the life and legacy of our beloved shepherd…
Loving God,
we give you thanks for the life and ministry of Pope Francis.
In him you gave us a man of humility,
one who valued listening to the voices of the voiceless,
compassion for the undervalued,
mercy for sinners and justice for the oppressed.
You gave us a pastor
who led through the example of his love
for your people and your creation,
who was not ashamed to smell like his sheep.
Comfort all who mourn his passing,
and may the angels now lead him to paradise with you
to rest in your peace for eternity.
May your Spirit guide the future successor to your servant Francis
to continue the work you have begun through him,
for the good of the Church and the world.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
You’re invited to view UISG’s statement here and the Catholic Theological Union’s statement here.
Sr Monica Cavanagh
Congregational Leader