Pope Francis Prayer Service

In Remembrance of Our Holy Father

On Monday, April 21, we lost the Holy Father of the Catholic Church, and indeed a prophetic leader for our world, when Pope Francis passed on to eternal life. 

The Mission and Ministry Center invites everyone to a prayer service on Tuesday, April 29 at 12:10 PM in the SMC Chapel, to remember and pray for Pope Francis.

In addition, a small memorial table is set up in the entrance of the Chapel; the community is welcome to visit this table in prayer during open hours of the Chapel. 

Cardinal Cupich of Chicago captured it well, when he said  that the greatest way to mourn Pope Francis is to recount, celebrate and promote his pastoral vision, mission and actions. Inspired by Jesus’ call to care for the “least of these,” Francis’ mission was all about “radical” inclusion of all marginalized persons and existential issues in the Church and in society. Our Lasallian core principles have enjoyed support and inspiration from Pope Francis’ pastoral goals and ministry. This week, our international Lasallian network reflected on the impact of Pope Francis with thoughts from Br. Armin Luistro, Superior General of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, and in this biography, in memoriam. 

In November 2023, our SMC Chaplain, Fr. Kwame Assenyoh, participated in a 3-day conference for Catholic university chaplains in Rome. At that conference, Pope Francis shared his thoughts with the participants that we reference here as an inspiration for all of us. In his message, Pope Francis asked us to do three things: appreciate differences, accompany with care, and act courageously. May these themes continue to inspire and guide our work here at Saint Mary’s College.  

We hope you can join our community at the prayer service on Tuesday.