Barb Spies, OFS, Director of Mission Services and Pastoral Care

I’ve been thinking about the legacy of Pope Francis. There are so many news stories and reflections to examine. What I would like to focus on for us is how his work related to our Core Value of Respect for Human Dignity. When I consider all the many things Pope Francis did, they all come back to the dignity of God’s people. Our Mission at Felician Village is to continue the healing ministry of Jesus by providing compassionate care that respects the dignity of each person we serve. Pope Francis provided compassionate care for all of God’s creation.

Sr. Mary Haddad, RSM, president and CEO, Catholic Health Association of the United States said,  “Those of us serving in Catholic health care join Christians and so many others throughout the world as we grieve the passing and celebrate the life of Pope Francis.

“Pope Francis witnessed Christ’s love and mercy to all people, particularly those at the margins of society. He reflected this in his memorable description of the ‘Church as a field hospital’ and his call to heal the wounds of our world through love and charity. During his papacy, he advanced the Church’s work in health care through his unwavering advocacy for ethical care for all, particularly during the COVID pandemic and in areas of the world stricken by disease and natural disasters.

“Pope Francis always led with compassion, inclusivity, and humility. Through his leadership, he brought the joy of the Gospel to the everyday lives of people from all walks of faith. Pope Francis leaves a legacy for all of us to emulate and for which we are forever grateful. Let us remember that the greatest tribute we can make is to keep working toward the realization of his vision for the Church.”

Pope Francis spoke of a “culture of encounter” in which we meet those we come across with full recognition of their humanity. Making eye contact. Offering human touch. This type of encounter, according to Pope Francis, is to "reach out to the flesh of Christ."

I have a keychain that a friend brought me after he went on a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi. I put my work keys on that keychain to remind me to try to be the kind of servant to God’s people that Pope Francis was. I can’t quite imagine doing all that he did during his papacy and his lifetime of service, but he is certainly a model for all of us of how we should treat each other.

Blessed Angela: “Do what He demands of you at each moment and do not worry about the next.”