Here in the Austin Diocese we were Sede Vacante times two. Our Local Ordinary, now Archbishop Joe Vasquez took the Chair of the Galveston-Houston Archdiocese at the end of March. My Sweetie and I had the unexpected delight of attending a Mass in a local parish a couple of days before he moved from Austin.
Pope Francis died Monday of Easter week. And like his predecessor Pope St John Paul II, spent his last days with the people of God. Even after his release from the hospital there was a sense that we were waiting for this moment with him.
Over the last few days we as a Church have mourned Pope Francis, and prayed – at the same time – for whoever would take the Chair of Peter next.
When we lived in NY we grieved the death of John Cardinal O’Connor, yet Pope John Paul II still presided in Rome. This was different having both Chairs vacant at the same time. It doesn’t feel off, just different.
While piddling around the house this morning the times when the College of Cardinals would vote prompted me to turn on YouTube and watch the live feed from Rome. I will tell you watching a chimney isn’t particularly exciting, until it is. White smoke wafted its way, letting all gathered know, Habemus Papem, we have a Pope. When John Paul II was elected in October 1978, I was watching the black and white tv in the corner of the living room, knowing something important was happening. When John Paul II stepped out on the loggia and spoke, “Don’t be afraid” the sense of relief in my 9 year old person was palpable. As we watched the live feed from Rome, I had this same sense of intensity of importance.
At 9 I had no idea who my local Parish Priest was let alone the Pope. At fifty-something there is a significantly different relationship with the Holy Trinity, the Church locally and in its deepest Catholic (universal) sense. Then as now I have zero idea why particular Conclave, and this particular man occupying the Chair of Peter has such significance, drawing me into prayer. I know in some way now why John Paul II, yet not fully. There is something about Leo XIV.
Father, protect Pope Leo XIV’s heart, grant him the Grace to bind and loose with Wisdom and Prudence guiding him.
Grant him the Grace of being wide awake and watchful.
Permit him strength to Unlock and Open what needs opening, to Close and Lock what must be locked.
Holy Spirit fill Him with the Fire of Your Love.
And like St Paul instructs husbands and wives, let him love the Church the way you LOVE us.
Amen.
In the Holy Spirit,
Teri
A Quilter's Heart 