May 18, 2025

Habemus Papam! These words in Latin have become a common part of our language in 2025 as we welcomed Pope Leo XIV as our new Holy Father! Who would have thought we would have an American pope? A Chicagoan pope? A South Sider pope? What a joy for all people!

And wasn’t it nice to get a break from all the Washington craziness? It seemed that all the news broadcasters  we listened to were sharing in the joy and excitement of the moment. They were respectful and interested. It was as if the whole world had joined the Catholic Church from the death of Pope Francis to the introduction of Pope Leo.

It reminded me of the communal world we live in and how we’ve lost some of that. Growing up, if there was a special TV show or event on TV, you had to watch it right then or you were out of luck. The next day people would talk about it among friends, at work, in the grocery line (think The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show). It was a common experience shared at the same time. We got a taste of that again with the white smoke pouring out of the chimney. It seemed like everyone was focused on God’s action in the Church. What a blessing. May God bless Pope Leo XIV!

This weekend, Father John
and I are celebrating our anniversary of ordination: Father John, twenty-one years, and me, forty. These have been rich years, filled with incredible moments, shared with wonderful people. It was around the dining room table that I learned about faith, the necessity of the Church in our lives and respect for priests and sister (generally speaking!). This is how vocations are recognized and nurtured. It’s
all in the family.

Looking back over these years only gives me a greater desire to continue ministry, especially here at Saint George.  I felt loved and cared for in all my parishes, but I have to confess, there is something special about the South Side. After all, that’s where popes come from!