Fr. Don’s Weekly Letter ~ 18 May 2025

Dear Good People of Saint Bernadette,

With grateful hearts we thank God for our new Holy Father Leo. Let us continue to pray that he will be the instrument the world needs to know the true peace of Jesus and the unity and healing which we know is God’s will. Pope Leo described this peace as “unarmed and disarming, humble and persevering,” as only can come from God who loves all peoples unconditionally.

His first message to us on the day of election was so simple and sincere. He spoke of dialogue (in his very short first speech he uses the word three times), a synodal Church, a missionary Church that builds bridges and dialogue, with arms always open to receive everyone, all those who need our charity, our presence, dialogue, and love.

Maybe this is something that seems common in Italy, since so many popes have been Italians, but I can’t get over how many people have spoken of a personal connection with our new pope. “My mother-in-law’s mother taught him in grade school.” “In Peru, after a long day without stopping to eat, he would call, exhausted, late in the evening, and ask if we had any leftovers...” “He was principal at my high school in Chicago.” “I went to the seminary with him and have known him most of my life (Fr. Cedric).”

The fact that an American has been elected Pope by the universal Church is something astounding, something that nobody ever thought would happen. But the fact that he has touched so many people in his life – whether as a parish priest, administrator, Superior General of the Augustinians, missionary, archbishop and, finally, leader of the Dicastery for Bishops appointed by Pope Francis (photo, below left), is a powerful reflection on how we, too, have the ability to touch hearts.

Think of the many chapters of your life, from when you were very young to today. All the characters who populated those stories and the ways in which you have been there for others, and others for you. Think of the way in which you have brought all these people into your own story and the impact you had in their lives. It isn’t just for popes – you, too have many people who look back to times with you and treasure them.

You know a lot about a bishop by his motto. It is no surprise there is a strong theme coming out of all he says, that God is here for all people and unites us. “In illo Uno, unum.” In the One, we are one.

“God cares for us, God loves all of us, and evil will not prevail! We are all in God’s hands. Therefore, without fear, united hand in hand with God and among ourselves, let us move forward.

“To all of you, brothers and sisters of Rome, of Italy, of the whole world, we want to be a synodal Church, a Church that walks, a Church that always seeks peace, that always seeks charity, that always seeks to be close especially to those who suffer.”

His election has inspired people of all churches and religions to send messages of joy and congratulations, because they already know in Pope Leo a hopefulness that looks to the future.

The Lord be with you.