It feels both surreal and sad to be preparing to say goodbye to our Holy Father, a man whose papacy marked my return to the Faith and to the Church of my childhood, and whose gentle countenance and soft, German accented voice has become as familiar as that of my own father's. John Paul II's death called me home to the Catholic Church, but it was Pope Benedict who held the door open and welcomed me inside.
We've talked about it as a family these past couple days, what it means to be living in Rome right now, what it means for the Church, what it must feel like to be in Papa's shoes right now...there are so many questions. We don't have many answers, but I want to share with you, via Facebook and the blog, whatever we can over these next several weeks.
One thing is certain: He loves us, and the One he serves loves us, and we will not be abandoned or left orphans. Pope Benedict has a servant's heart, and the wisdom and love of a father, so it makes sense that, in recognizing he can no longer adequately care for his flock, can no longer provide for his family, he would make the heroically difficult decision to step aside to let someone take his place.
We, as the Church, now have the unique privilege to say thank you and goodbye to our Holy Father while he is still with us on earth. What a gift. What a weird situation. What do we wear for this?
I'll keep you all posted, promise, whether you like it or not.
St. Peter, pray for us.
I was hoping you would post an insider's view from the Vatican. It must be crazy over there right now.
ReplyDeleteJenny -- this was just so beautiful! I thought of you immediately when I heard the news this week. Imagine, living in Rome right at this very moment in history and seeing all this first hand. So glad we have you there to tell us. Your words about the Holy Father were perfect.
ReplyDeleteAll I can think of when I think about the situation is how it might feel to be him right now. What an incredibly courageous thing he's done for us! Thank you for keeping us updated. You're the best :)
ReplyDeleteTears in my eyes ... it may be overreported, but this personal response touched me the most.
ReplyDeleteWill you be able to see the white smoke from your apartment balcony? That would be awesome.
"He loves us, and the One he serves loves us, and we will not be abandoned or left orphans."
ReplyDeleteThanks for this Jenny. That's what I needed to hear most.