Dear Blessed Sacrament Family,
As you know, Pope Francis passed into eternal life on Easter Monday, returning to the embrace of our Heavenly Father. His death, coming so soon after the celebration of Easter, carries with it a profound message. Even in death, Pope Francis continues to guide and teach us, reminding the faithful of the deep beauty and sacred mystery at the heart of our Christian faith.
It is no coincidence that his passing occurred just hours after the celebration of Easter, the most sacred and joyful feast in the Church’s liturgical year. Through this timing, Pope Francis offers us one final, powerful reflection: the glory of the Resurrection is only possible through the suffering of Good Friday.
His life and death echo the journey of Christ—a reminder that before we can truly share in the joy of new life, we must also walk through the sorrow and sacrifice of the Cross. In this way, Pope Francis leaves us with a living testament of faith, encouraging us to embrace both the suffering and the hope that define our path as followers of Christ.
The United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Divine Worship has stated,
“Upon the death of the Pope, the Diocesan Bishop should contact all the parishes and parochial schools asking for immediate prayers for the deceased Pontiff. The custom of praying the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be throughout the day is to be encouraged, especially with school children, as is the recitation of the Rosary for the repose of his soul. The prayer Eternal Rest is also appropriate.”
For the remainder of the week, I ask our teachers to incorporate the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Glory Be into their classroom prayers. Our Friday Time with Jesus will be focused on a rosary for our Holy Father.
I encourage all parents and guardians, as the spiritual leaders of the Domestic Church, to pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be together with your children. When children see the most important adults in their lives making time for prayer, they understand that prayer is a meaningful and essential part of daily life.
+ Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord, and let Your perpetual Light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithfully departed rest in peace. Amen.
In service to the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament,
Michael Fierro
Principal