Habemus Papam
We have a new Pope!
EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network) had the best coverage on the Conclave. I watched it while on the phone with my friend Sarah. EWTN, a worldwide Catholic media organization, was ahead of the major news outlets by a few seconds.. So when the new pope was announced, I was in a state of shock. One, because the Cardinals elected an American, and secondly because I had never heard of the newly elected Pope.
I quickly googled whatever I could find about Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, and I panicked when I read that he had recently been appointed as a Cardinal by Pope Francis. Saying to myself, “This can’t be good! He’s going to be progressive!” I quickly texted my spiritual director and called my friend Sylvia in Madrid. At the same time Mike was talking me off the ledge.
The Ledge
I am notorious for reading only part of what is written, and it’s usually the subtitles that get me in trouble. For example, if someone sends me a group text I will not open the text. First of all I hate group texts. Second because I have wrongly texted groups of people when the message was intended for only one person. Like Lucy Ricardo, I had a lot of explaining to do.
Mike was quick to say, “What’s wrong with you? This is great news! He’s an American for God’s sake.” Mike has never failed me in words of godly wisdom.
My spiritual director quickly sent me information on Leo XIV, explaining that the new pope is an Augustinian friar, the Minister General of the Augustinians for 10 years, a canon lawyer, then became bishop. He had a high ranking position in the Curia. He also mentioned that he wore the papal regalia; Pope Francis did not wear these vestments when he was announced as pope.
My friend Sylvia from Madrid reiterated what my spiritual director had sent me. She was pleased with the choice because of his Augustinian background. She also mentioned that it was good that he was an American. My mind turned to total submission in trusting God’s judgment. I pray that Pope Leo XIV will be a great Vicar of Christ.
Augustinian Charism
The foundation and characteristic of Augustinian life is life in common, in which friars seek to construct a path that is directed to God in service to others. We do this not only through the sharing of ideals and values, but also in communion of all material and spiritual goods. In this way we strive to grow through the gift of God’s grace, and so give witness to the mystery of the Trinity and of the church, anticipating now on earth and the reality we hope for in the future in the Father’s house.
The opening words of St. Augustine’s Rule give us direction: we are to be of one mind and heart on the way to God. We are travelers on pilgrimage together, wherein Christ is our constant companion, as well as our way and our goal.
The activity of our journey is shaped by Augustine’s own experience and counsel, and is characterized by three essential elements: the constant search for God by means of a deep interior life; the practical love of neighbor; and the constant pursuit of truth.
Adapted from the Order’s Constitutions and Plan of Formation
Pope Leo XIII
On October 13, 1886, Pope Leo XIII had a diabolical vision. After celebrating Mass in a private Vatican Chapel, attended by members of the Vatican staff and a few Cardinals, Pope Leo stopped at the foot of the altar and fell into a trance. He heard the voice of Satan speaking to Christ about destroying the Church. After the vision Pope Leo went immediately to his office and composed the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel. This prayer is to be recited after every low Mass.
Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
Cast into Hell Satan
and all the evil spirits
who prowl about the world,
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
St. Michael is the Guardian of the Church, the Enemy of Satan and the fallen angels and the Christian Angel of Death at the hour of death. He is patron saint of soldiers, police officers, bankers, grocers, mariners, sickness and doctors.
We recite this prayer after every daily Mass. Our Parish, St. Norbert is thriving with so many more believers attending daily Mass.
Submission
The fundamental reasons for my submission were the fact that Pope Leo is an Augustinian and that he took the name of Pope Leo XIII. Never would I turn against the Holy Catholic Church because we are, and always will be, the Church that Christ founded. We represent over 1.4 billion people and growing!
The World Is Watching
The world was eager to find out who would be the next pope, including the biased mainstream media.
Our church has been around for over 2,000 years and the gates of Hell will never prevail! We are aligned with the teaching of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Please stop putting out negative press about the largest, most organized religion in the world. Yes, there are sinners in the hierarchy, but believe me when I say, “They will be exposed, and God will judge them for any sin they have committed against man but mostly against God.”
My Prayer
Dear Lord, forgive me for my careless initial reaction to the election of Pope Leo XIV. May we all in unison join together in prayer for the new pontiff. Lord, guide Pope Leo XIV with holy wisdom and bring unity into this fallen world.
I pray for all who are discerning to come into the Catholic Church. Guide them with Your holy truth, remove the scales from their eyes and bring clarity to their hearts and mind. Amen.
