Newsletter - 4 May 2025
FRANCISCUS
Sede Vacante
Our Pope Francis has returned to the house of the Father, into the arms of the merciful God that he strongly loved and preached about throughout his life. Since his last hospitalisation we have waited and prayed that the Lord would heal him so that he could return once again among his flock. We rejoiced to see him in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, where he wished everyone a Happy Easter, he blessed the Church and the world. He fulfilled his mission as a father to the end and now his body rests under the loving watch of our Mother, in the Basilica of St. Mary Major, near the Chapel of Salus Populi Romani.
From the day he was elected Pope and introduced himself with the name of Francis, I immediately felt a great affection and a strong connection with him because the model of holiness he was inspired by was precisely my favourite Saint, Francis of Assisi, the humble friar of the poor, a singer of God's Creation who reformed the Church following the command of Jesus under the cross of San Damiano, "Francis, go and repair my Church that as you see is in ruins".
The Pope travelled everywhere to bring hope and joy to the poor, to announce the Good News and make us all feel like one Family in Christ Jesus.
On 27 March 2020, during the year of Covid-19, when the Pope appeared alone in St. Peter’s Square, the eyes of the world were on that square, the eyes of the world were on the Pope, and at that moment, the Pope carried the whole world before the Lord. That, perhaps, will remain the most beautiful image of a Pope who truly always carried the world in his heart.
One of his books struck me more than all his writings, "The Name of God is Mercy", and this was the central theme of his pontificate.
What legacy does Pope Francis leave us?
“God is Mercy and loves us all just as we are”
“The Church must be open to everyone, everyone, everyone”, must have in its heart the desire to reach everyone, to listen to everyone, to enter into dialogue with everyone, in order to bring to everyone the beauty of the Gospel that saves, and of the Lord who is the Saviour.”
His desire to see “A poor Church among the poor.”
To take care of our Earth as the Only Common Home we have, to live in harmony and peace among men and with the Creation.
Now continue to pray for us Holy Father, to face the earthly journey with right Faith, certain Hope and perfect Charity.
Arrivederci Francesco!
Caterina Schifano
Focus of the week
PRE-CONCLAVE MASS
There will be a Mass celebrated in Westminster Cathedral on Tuesday 6 May, at 5.30pm to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit on the Cardinals gathered in Rome before the Conclave starts on Wednesday.
PRAYER FOR THE ELECTION OF A POPE
O God, eternal shepherd, who govern your flock with unfailing care, grant in your boundless fatherly love a pastor for your Church who will please you by his holiness
and to us show watchful care.
Amen
SRI LANKAN FUND RAISING EVENING
Saturday 10 May 2025 - 6.30pm
Tickets on sale from the parish office.
Adult £25 Child £12.50
Proceeds go towards the Parish and Sri Lankan charities
PARISH QUIZ NIGHT
Saturday 17 May 2025 - 7pm
Tickets are still on sale from the parish office.
Adults £6
Children under 12 - £3