We Praise God for the Election of Cardinal Prevost, Pope Leo XIV

There has been an incredible sense amongst so many  that this is an answer to prayer and truly the work of the Holy Spirit:  That is to say that this is God's man for the Church in our time. 

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There has been an incredible experience of joy and relief amongst so many of the faithful. People spontaneously breaking out in tears at his first blessing for example.  A good Bishop we know was woken in the middle of the night and prompted to turn  on his tv to see the Holy Father walk out onto the balcony to give his opening speech and blessing.   

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We feel that this pope  is exactly what the Church needs at this time; a humble man, a compassionate man, a very deep thinker, a man faithful and appreciative of the depths of the Church's rich and deep tradition.  

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Let us hold him in  prayer as he embarks on what is surely the most difficult job on earth.  Let us think of the weight on his shoulders; the spiritual welfare not only of the Catholics directly under him but his responsibility to the whole world. 

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We thank Father Ferwerda for sending through these thoughts:

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"A gentle reminder...

 

When You See the White Smoke…

 

Don’t think of prestige. Don’t rush to post, to speculate, or to celebrate power.

 

Kneel. And pray.

 

Because the man who will soon step out onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica is not claiming a throne—but embracing a cross.

 

He is not a victor, but a sacrificial lamb chosen to lead a weary world.

 

At that very moment, he may be in the small, hidden “Chapel of Tears” beside the Sistine Chapel—weeping. Not in triumph, but in awe and fear, asking God:

“Why me?”

 

He will recount his frailties. He will list every reason why he feels unworthy.

But God will not need strength—He will give mercy.

 

This man will carry the full weight of Peter’s office.

He will grow tired.

He will suffer silently.

He will grow old—perhaps too soon.

He will not retire in comfort.

He will die in service.

 

His burden will be unseen by many, but his soul will feel it every day.

 

When you see the white smoke... pray for him.

 

He is not stepping into glory—he is walking into sacrifice."

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Prayer for Pope Leo XIV

Faithful God,
You guide us on the path of life
and your goodness is our constant companion.

Be with our new Shepherd, Pope Leo XIV,
in his service of the Church.
Fill him with the power of your Spirit,
the peace of your presence
and the compassion of Christ.

May he walk with you,
in wisdom and humility,
and lead us, together with all God’s people,
to embody your love for the world.
Amen.

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A beautiful prayer from the Jesuits in America: (with slight modification)

Almighty God, In trust and gratitude, we turn to Your Holy Spirit. We know Your Spirit has been active during this time of conclave, guiding the prayerful discernment that has brought Your Church to this important moment. Now, as Pope Leo XIV assumes the Petrine Ministry, we pray that Your Spirit draw ever closer to our new Holy Father, illuminating his path so that he may faithfully see and respond to the needs of your people. 

We pray that he  be strengthened in his ministry. May he continue building bridges that connect us to one another. May he be an example of faith, hope and love. We pray that You give him joy in his work and a renewed fervour for your Gospel message. May he never lose sight of Christ who walks before us and among us — particularly in the most vulnerable, the forgotten and the outcast.  

Christ Jesus, bless Pope Leo XIV — and bless us, Your holy people, as together we strive to be Your Body in our wounded world.

Amen.   

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On the Balance

There will always be some who are always negative; they would  not be happy even if Our Lord Jesus Christ was to return on earth to occupy the papal throne! 

On the balance we believe that the Church is in very good hands with Pope Leo. He will never be able to satisfy everyone.  There is nothing surer than that!  So let us not be too concerned with the tumultuous noise that will undoubtedly always be there.  Let us try to avoid those negative voices which are only audible and amplified  because the internet gives them a platform.   Of course, we all have a legitimate concern as to the direction the Church is led, and this can be  a sign that we love the Church, and can be a sign of the individual quest for truth.   For this reason many do enter into discussion.  But  our fulfilment will never be found in discussion but will be found on our knees adoring our one true God and in loving Jesus Christ Our Lord. In the final analysis let us remember and have confidence that it is His Church, and Our Lord promised that he would uphold it till the end of time. 

Let us, above all,  not loose sight of our personal goals and responsibilities.  On judgment day we will not be asked to take account of the actions and decisions of this Holy Father or any other Holy Father.    We will have to make account of our own lives.  

 There is something we can do to help.  We can all offer  up our prayers and sacrifices for the Church.  We can strive for  personal holiness  We can allow Christ to really enter into our lives and transform us personally into images of his compassionate love. 

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Our Lady told us that in the end Her Immaculate Heart will triumph.  There are many indications suggesting that the time is indeed near. 

​Let us be a part of Her triumph through our fidelilty to the Rosary the Sacraments and above all a life of deep faith, and love and service to others.  Pray for the pope!, realising that he carries an enormous responsibility on his shoulders.

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