The Francis Effect

This afternoon at St. Joseph's Church, we viewed a wonderful documentary witnessing to the spirituality and vision of Pope Francis.  With the guidance of the Holy Spirit in March of 2013, the College of Cardinals elected Jorge Bergoglio to be our Pope, the Vicar of Christ on earth, the chief shepherd of the Church.

He chose the name Francis seeking the intercession of St. Francis of Assisi.  Who is Pope Francis?  In his own words, he is a sinner who asks for our prayer.  His beauty is that he is a simple, humble person of faith with a solidarity and and a great love for the poor.

Among his many memorable quotes was his response to a question about a person who is homosexual, Pope Francis simply said:  "Who am I to judge?"  With this quote and by his way of life, Pope Francis communicates the merciful love of Jesus.  In initiating the jubilee year of mercy, Pope Francis wants us to a Church of Mercy -- a field hospital for the wounded, rather than a tribunal that restricts people in need from experiencing the merciful love of God.

If you would like to join a six week small Christian community to further explore the spirituality of Pope Francis, call the Church office  -- 586-8089 -- or go on the parish website.