Rector’s Reflections

April 27, 2025

Dear People of God,

I write this following the beautiful Memorial Mass for Pope Francis, presided by Cardinal Cupich. It was a powerful moment of unity, with more than 1,200 of the faithful gathered at Holy Name Cathedral on Wednesday, April 23, all joined in prayer for the repose of his soul.

While we all knew that Pope Francis battled a respiratory illness throughout Lent, many of us felt optimistic about his apparent recovery for Holy Week. How special that we could see him among the people throughout his final days. But he went to his eternal rest on Easter Monday, ending his earthly pilgrimage.

We are all left to grieve, but also grateful for his profound leadership serving the people of God. Pope Francis, an inspirational pastor, dedicated his priesthood to caring for people, even in his final days. His powerful call for us to be more welcoming, inclusive, and open to sharing love and mercy is a beacon of hope that should encourage and uplift us all.

While his time on earth has come to an end, please join me as we celebrate his life and pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis. Let us not just remember his legacy but also strive to continue his message of love and mercy in our daily lives, now and in the future.

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April 27, 2025 Column

We are an Easter people, and the promise of the Risen Lord is so abundant that we call it eternal. I want to share a powerful story with you. It is truly worth reading – and sending to family and friends. The Rose On the first day of class, our professor challenged us to get to know someone we didn’t already know. I looked around and a gentle hand touched my shoulder. I turned to find an older lady beaming up at me with a bright smile.

She said, “Hi handsome. My name is Rose. I’m 87 years old. Can I give you a hug?” I laughed and responded, “Of course!” and she gave me a giant squeeze. “Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age?” I asked. “I always dreamed of having a college education, and now I’m getting one!” she told me. After class, we walked to the student union and shared a milkshake. We became instant friends.

For the next few months, we would leave class together and talk nonstop. I was always mesmerized by her as she shared her wisdom. Rose became a campus icon and easily made friends. She reveled in the attention from the other students. At the end of the semester, we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet. As she began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped her note cards on the floor.

She leaned into the microphone and said, “I’m sorry I’m so jittery. I gave up beer for Lent, and this whiskey is killing me! I’ll never get my speech back in order, so let me tell you what I know.” As we laughed, she cleared her throat and began: “We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing.

There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy and achieving success.

You have to laugh and find humor every day.

You’ve got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die. We have so many people walking around who are dead and don’t even know it.”

“There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up. Anybody can grow older. That doesn’t take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always f inding the opportunity in change.” “I have no regrets. Older people usually don’t regret what they did but rather for things they did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets.”

She concluded her speech by courageously singing “The Rose.” She challenged us to study the lyrics and live them out daily. At the year’s end, Rose finished the college degree she had begun all those years ago. One week after graduation, Rose died peacefully in her sleep. More than 2,000 college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught that it’s never too late to be all you can possibly be.

Lent – Holy Week – Easter! It’s never too late to “rise” to new heights with the Lord Jesus walking at our side. Easter Season

Blessings,

Fr. Greg

Congratulations to all of our Children’s Faith Formation program who will receive their First Holy Communion today (April 27) at the 10:30am Mass. Know our prayers and love are with you on this joyous day! May you always walk with the Lord Jesus holding you by your hand!

A Little Humor from the Rector