Dear Folks,
From what I have seen and read about and by Pope Francis, it seems to
me that the Catholic Church may be in for some changes inspired from
the top of the hierarchy. He well may ignite a fire in some lay persons
and clergy, who will through fides caritate formata (faith enlivened
by charity) reform the church in various ways. I have read several of
his states so far, and they seem spontaneous and warm, not cooly and
"perfectly" worded.
Also from what I have read of him, his characteristic theme seems to be "encounter Jesus Christ." His motto, in English translation, "Lowly and chosen," displays where his heart lies. He probably will carry out what recent Popes have called "a preferential option for the poor." To that end, it seems, he chose the name Francis, when a brother Cardinal and friend said to him as the election was falling his way, "Remember the poor." He admits taking the name "Francis" (Franciscus) for St. Francis of Assisi, thinking primarily of his love for the poor (embodied in his own poverty and simplicity of life) and because Francis so preached peace. A third reason he mentioned for the choice of his new name was that St. Francis showed reverence for nature, and hence, no doubt this Pope will speak about right stewardship of the earth.
One can yawn, and say, "no big deal." Ah, but the first non-European head of the Church since the late 700's! The first man from the southern hemisphere. And the first Jesuit, despite so many dedicated and holy Jesuit priests over the years (Montana was mission territory for Jesuits Fr. De Smet in the east, Fr. Ravalli in western Montana, and then many more Jesuits over the last 160 years or so). I find it amazing that despite the obvious extraordinary holiness of Francis of Assisi, this man is the first to have chosen Francis' name. I wondered about that, but this may be the reason: Since about 950 or so AD, no pope has chosen a name not used by another pope. Now Jorge Mario Bergoglio took the name of Francis. Even there is a change. We are amused: A Jesuit priest taking the name of the great Francis of Assisi, not the Jesuit St. Francis Xavier.)
We will see changes. If I am not mistaken, I already feel a breath of fresh air blowing.
Also from what I have read of him, his characteristic theme seems to be "encounter Jesus Christ." His motto, in English translation, "Lowly and chosen," displays where his heart lies. He probably will carry out what recent Popes have called "a preferential option for the poor." To that end, it seems, he chose the name Francis, when a brother Cardinal and friend said to him as the election was falling his way, "Remember the poor." He admits taking the name "Francis" (Franciscus) for St. Francis of Assisi, thinking primarily of his love for the poor (embodied in his own poverty and simplicity of life) and because Francis so preached peace. A third reason he mentioned for the choice of his new name was that St. Francis showed reverence for nature, and hence, no doubt this Pope will speak about right stewardship of the earth.
One can yawn, and say, "no big deal." Ah, but the first non-European head of the Church since the late 700's! The first man from the southern hemisphere. And the first Jesuit, despite so many dedicated and holy Jesuit priests over the years (Montana was mission territory for Jesuits Fr. De Smet in the east, Fr. Ravalli in western Montana, and then many more Jesuits over the last 160 years or so). I find it amazing that despite the obvious extraordinary holiness of Francis of Assisi, this man is the first to have chosen Francis' name. I wondered about that, but this may be the reason: Since about 950 or so AD, no pope has chosen a name not used by another pope. Now Jorge Mario Bergoglio took the name of Francis. Even there is a change. We are amused: A Jesuit priest taking the name of the great Francis of Assisi, not the Jesuit St. Francis Xavier.)
We will see changes. If I am not mistaken, I already feel a breath of fresh air blowing.
