Vale Pope Francis – 1936 – 2025 – Settled in his forever home.
We are saddened as we farewell our leader. For so many he was our Father in Faith, who continually called us to respect and care for each other. He often spoke of his vision of a Synodal Church: one characterised by Communion, Participation, Mission.
As an Archdiocesan Parish Renewal Team, we have been inspired by the vision he shared of a Church animated by the Holy Spirit, devoted to a community life and called to share the Mission of Christ.
In his opening address to the 2nd Session of the Synod on Synodality he noted, “The Holy Spirit is our sure guide; our first task is to learn how to discern his voice, since he speaks through everyone and in all things.”
I quote from the Synod’s final document, which Pope Francis readily endorsed: “The Church is called to put at the centre of its life and action the fact that, in Christ, through Baptism, we are entrusted to each other.
No one can progress along the path of authentic spirituality alone; we need support, including formation and spiritual accompaniment, both as individuals and as a community.
We invite every individual in the church to ‘walk together’ and move forward, even if that means agreeing to disagree, or simply listening, or being present.”
St Paul’s first Letter to the Corinthians comes readily to mind: “As part of the Church Community Christians are called to bear fruit by sharing the gifts they have been given and becoming witnesses to the Gospel” (1 Cor 12:4-7)
We, as a Parish Renewal Team, have endeavoured to present The Pope’s vision for Parish Life along these lines: To build a culture where a Parish is seen with these wise eyes.
- A Synodal Parish is a Community of Communities;
- Calling every parishioner to an ever deeper relationship with Jesus;
- Open, welcoming, hospitable;
- Marked always by a servant leadership;
- Creating opportunities for faith formation;
- Constantly reaching out to all in need; seeking new ways to lead others to Christ.
Pope Francis has been an inspiring leader whose words and wisdom will enliven the Church as we move into an exciting future.
May he find fullness of life and immense joy in his heavenly home.
