Viva!

I am late on posting in general, and sadly late on posting about this momentous event in the life of all Christians: the 265th successor to Peter has been chosen.

As a Catholic family, this was a big deal to us. A big deal to see the resignation of a dearly beloved Pope, Benedict, for whom one of my sons was named (as well as for the saint).  I deeply respect the humility and prudence of Benedict XVI in stepping down from the papacy as he recognized his declining faculties, physical and mental.  I honored John Paul the Great for his remark "Christ did not get off of the Cross", in response to those who questioned his remaining the Pope as he was dying.  It was a beautiful witness and one that Benedict alluded to when he stated his intention to leave.
However, Benedict, too, gave a witness, and it is a wonderful thing to see how different circumstances elicit different responses from holy men and women.

So we prayed, and we waited for our new father.  The one who would be "over the household" of faith.  The one who would wear the robe, hold the keys, and be a father to the people of the King, ruling in His stead, until He comes again.  Isaiah 22:22 describes this handing over of authority from king to the one put "over the household".  It is almost word for word what Jesus says to Peter.  Jesus is the King, and the Popes are given His authority until He comes again.   ....just in case anyone was wondering about those keys and whatnot...  

I mention this not to beat over the head with Biblical exegesis, but because it explains how dearly we as Catholics cherish the men entrusted with this sacred position.  We're only 265 men in direct line away from that powerful moment between Christ and Peter.  And we are the ones who are given this father, not to be left orphans.

So, a bit orphaned, we waited to meet this papa.  And he was Francis.  I didn't know anything about this Cardinal.  I'm learning with everyone else.  I love St. Francis. If Pope Francis chose him as his patron saint, that is already a point in his favor for me. I think most everyone felt the same way.  St. Francis who rejected his father's riches, who associated with the poor, who led by personal holiness and not by powerful administration....the man who loved the animals and nature.  Habemus Papam!

We celebrated and we continue to pray, to watch, to listen.  God is leading His church.  His perfect Church is made up of sinful humanity.  We come to His Church to be purified, over and again, to grow in holiness and to be made more and more like Him.

A moment for rejoicing and sober reflection, certainly much prayer.  Perhaps a bit like the birth of a child, or a wedding.  That's how I'd record what it is like for me, as a Catholic, to live through a papal election.    Viva el Papa!