Dear Cathedral Family,
Joy and Humility. These are the two words, or themes, I have learned from Pope Francis, who has been our Holy Father for 12 years. As I am writing this letter, he has been in the hospital for two weeks. During this time, I have been reflecting on his papacy. So much has happened in our families, society, and the world in the past 12 years. And yet, the messages of joy and humility are still as fresh as they were in 2013 when he penned his first Apostolic Exhortation. His teaching begins as follows:
"The JOY OF THE GOSPEL fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness, and loneliness. With Christ, joy is constantly born anew. "
Wouldn't being free of sin, sadness, emptiness, and loneliness be fantastic? We are on the cusp of Ash Wednesday, Lent, spring, and baseball season! All good things. The gradually warmer weather is a harbinger of longer and warmer days. Our seniors are almost all official carriers of the annual "senioritis," which is right on time. And guess what? The invitation to walk more closely with Jesus is still here. Fresh and new. As a way to realize this, I again go back to 2013 and the famous writing of Pope Francis:
"I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them; I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day. No one should think that this invitation is not meant for him or her since no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord."
Perhaps a challenge we can all accept is to really "dig in" to Lent this year. Make a plan. Roll up your sleeves. I will definitely share this plan with our educators and work each day during Lent to pray more and listen more, and the joy will follow. I believe it will be so if we give it a chance. We know that our young people, our students, are fully in the transformation phase of their lives, and I believe we are as well. If we remain open to it, we will continue to be transformed throughout our lives.
Joy and Humility. In closing, I would like to share examples of how Pope Francis showed me how to incorporate these two themes into my life. When he was elected Pope, I clearly remember that he eschewed the fancy car and reserved parking spot that came with his role. He chose a small and simple car and said he would leave the close parking spots for those who really need them. Well, unfortunately for my family, I have since parked as far away as possible at work, church, and restaurants. As for joy, I also clearly remember him stating that (paraphrasing) if you have joy in your heart, inform your face. Smile! If you follow Jesus, pray fervently, serve the poor, and love your enemies, you will have joy.
I hope all of us will have more joy as a result of our efforts this Lent. Please be assured that we at Cathedral will teach and model these values as we begin Lent this year.
I invite you to click here to read our Mission Integration Officer Matthew Gring's Monthly Message.
With her leading, we shall not tire! St. Br. André, pray for us. St. Bl. Basil Moreau, pray for us! Our Lady of the Hill, pray for us. And Go Irish!
Joyfully and humbly,
Rob Bridges, PhD
President