YOU, your children & Pope Francis
I think all of us were a bit stunned at the announcement of Pope Francis’ passing on Easter Monday. Not so much because he had died, after all we all knew he was sick, he had been hospitalized, but the timing of it all — shook us a little bit. It got our attention in more than one way.
God wanted Pope Francis to celebrate the Resurrected Christ with us. He was able to rejoice with us during this Jubilee Year of Hope before he left for his heavenly home. What a magnificent reminder in so many ways.
The old addage “Man plans, and God laughs” – often strikes home. Today is no different.
While the Church has entered into a period of mourning, the media and the internet has gone into a period of frenzy.
Witnessing the barrage of reactions has been both edifying and bewildering. With cold hearts many ‘Catholics’ haven’t even waited for his funeral to pass to voice their opinions, meticulously criticizing his pontificate, rallying up votes for who should be the next Pope.
Little respect for the dead.
What has happened to mercy, as we approach Divine Mercy Sunday? It feels to me — almost as if, we’ve entered Palm Sunday and Good Friday all over again.
What has struck me about Pope Francis, over and over again was the humility, the meekness, the silence with which he handled his detractors.
With so many voices, so much news, so much information coming at us, from different sources, it can be difficult to join the Universal Church in a period of mourning. It’s as if we have to “take a position” – or cast our vote.
Are we in too much of a hurry to let certain things sink in?
Pope Francis, our pontiff has died. Let us join our hearts in mourning with our Universal Church.
His funeral is tomorrow.
It seems like we live is such disposable culture, which is just saying “next” – It’s almost as if LIFE itself has become like a living “drive thru” it’s as if we “scroll through” everything – even the death of our Pontiff, not just our phones. It’s a bit shocking and sad. It’s dehumanizing.
I would encourage you Mama to take some time to pray a family Rosary for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis, or go to Adoration and pray it alone.
What ever you do, take some time to reflect…
Allow your heart to be filled with gratitude. Allow your heart to be filled with awe observing the millions of people from all over the world, lining up to pay their respects to Pope Francis. I was deeply touched this morning by the story here about shopkeepers around the Vatican reminiscing.
This story about a homeless man too struck me deeply.. it has me on the verge of tears… this homeless man really is much smarter than some Catholic academic theologians, commentators, influencers that put themselves above the Pope.
Often times people these days speak disparagingly about technology, about the internet, about social media, but it can be used for the good of our faith. It can be a gift that allows us to join with Catholics all over the world in experiencing what is going on in Rome, moment by moment.
This morning, I am writing to encourage you Mamas to engage your children in Pope Francis’ passing, talk to them about this historical man, this historical moment. About their Catholic faith.
Our ministry is on a mission to revive the vocation of motherhood, and this has a thousand and one implications, it means so many things. It means that you, Mama, can be the discerning voice, the guiding force, to bring the Light of Christ and His Mother to your children.
You’ll often hear me saying: Don’t Miss the Moments Mama
Don’t miss THIS moment Mama.
Take this time to pause, scroll less, and learn more about your Catholic Faith. Talk to your children, no matter what their age it, encourage them to JOIN YOU in this journey of mourning, observing, reflecting.
Turn to reliable sources:
1. https://www.vaticannews.va/en.html
2. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/
3. Specifically for children
Right now, we are presented with this unique opportunity to wonderful time to engage your children, teach your children, direct your children them to reliable sources Catholic information.
No matter how young or old your children are, NOW is the time to talk to your children about the Catholic faith. Pray to the Holy Spirit to give you the words, the approach to talk to all of your kids about the passing of Pope Francis.
Do your little children know that the Pope exists? What his name is?
Yesterday I was just watching the LIVESTREAM of thousands of people coming to pay their last respects to Pope Francis. WATCH these things on television or computer WITH your children. It will have a dramatic impact on them.
It will help build their Catholic faith. It is an unfortunate reality that many will turn to Netflix to learn about the Conclave instead of good and true sources. Mama, you can do this!
So, how can you, Mama, help your children, unite their hearts and minds into the journey of Pope Francis’ passing? It all depends on their age, but do consider..
1. Arising early in the middle of the night, as a family, to watch Pope Francis’ funeral LIVE from Rome. Or attend a Mass being celebrated for Pope Francis’ intention
2. To to go Adoration together (or at home) as a family and to pray the Rosary for the repose of Pope Francis’ soul.
3. Send your adult children links to reliable sources poignant stories, videos, about this historic event.
4. Consider purchasing this wonderful poster, this Pope chart, and have it hanging in your home. I remember when I first saw it – as an adult, I was blown away… the apostolic succession suddenly became real to me. I had it printed and put on a canvas. For many years it hung in my home.
Dorothy Pilarski is the founder of Dynamic Women of Faith, author, motivational speaker, blogger , guest columnist with the Catholic Register and a facilitator on Salt + Light TV.
To learn a little bit more about Dorothy, visit her website at www.dorothypilarski.com You can get her book, Motherhood Matters, here on Amazon. If you feel called to start a Mother's Group, get the ministry's publication, How to Start a Mother's Group!
