Dear Parents,
Yesterday afternoon we at the Academy joined the world in joy and excitement at the election of a new Pope. It was a thrilling historical event. What delighted me almost as much as the announcement itself was the fact that the students entered into the moment with great enthusiasm and interest.
Some grade levels had a web stream on in the background while normal class work continued, until, that is, white smoke emerged from the chimney atop the roof of the Sistine Chapel! At that time, shrills filled rooms and hallways. Relishing in the joy of the occasion, I made a general announcement on the loud speaker to inform everyone of the white smoke: Habemus Papam!
For the next hour, with eager anticipation, we waited to hear which Cardinal was selected by the Holy Spirit. At the conclusion of the day, during quiet time, we prayed with gratitude for our new pontiff, Bishop of Rome, and leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Francis I.
Let us join the children in our prayer for Pope Francis:
May he continue to be filled with God’s Spirit,
May God’s Spirit flow through him into his new ministry and
May he serve the Church and world well with his leadership and inspiration!
United in that same Spirit,
Maureen Glavin, RSCJ
