Dear Parishioners,

Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936 has reached the end of his earthly pilgrimage.

Pope Francis was a great pastor who spoke from the heart and with tender affection.  Pope Francis’ papacy was marked by two master themes: mercy and evangelization.  In an interview, he famously remarked that the Church is a field hospital to those wounded by our postmodern, relativistic society.  It must, first and foremost, heal the wounds.

Pope Francis had a keen awareness of the destructiveness of sin, and he encouraged the Church to show the merciful face of Christ.  He also emphasized the importance of our personal witness to the light of faith, drawing others to the life-giving joy of the Gospel.

As we celebrate Pope Francis’ life and legacy, please join me in praying for the repose of his soul.

Father John Kuzhikottayil, SDB