5 Ways to Welcome Pope Francis
by Fr. Jim Socias | St. Josemaria Institute
Whether you will be traveling to see Pope Francis during his visit to DC, New York and Philadelphia, or if you will be accompanying him spiritually from your home, the following are five ways to welcome him with joyful and peaceful hearts:
1.
Love the Holy Father and pray for him every day:
V. Let us pray for Francis, the Pope.
R. May the Lord preserve him, give him a long life, make him blessed upon the earth, and may the Lord not hand him over to the power of his enemies.
“We must have a great love for the Church and for the Pope, whoever he may be. Ask our Lord that our service to his Church and the Holy Father may be fruitful” (St. Josemaria Escriva).
2.
Get to know and understand the human personality of Pope Francis: his early years, family, education, vocation to the priesthood, and life as a priest and bishop. Watch the documentary “Francisco: A Pope for Everyone,” which is available on Netflix.
3.
Seek to better understand the mind of Pope Francis and his concern for the poor – those who have nothing but God. In particular, through the Holy Father, the Holy Spirit wants to show us the importance of mercy. We should open our hearts to learning about and performing the works of mercy. St Josemaria said that it was among the poor and the sick, and their prayers, where he found the strength that he needed to begin the immense project that God asked of him, Opus Dei. It is also in the suffering and prayers of the sick and the poor where Pope Francis shows us that he finds the courage to guide the Church.
4.
Accompany Pope Francis in his challenge of promoting the importance and unity of the family, especially through your example at home and among your friends. Entrust this intention each night to the intercession of St Josemaria by praying the Prayer for the Family.
5.
Prepare spiritually to receive the Pope with purity of heart. Go and make a good Confession and, if possible, receive Communion daily during the Pope’s visit to our country. If this isn’t possible for you, pray the family Rosary each day for him.
This article originally appeared on the St. Josemaria Institute website:
www.stjosemaria.org