Dear Pope Francis,
Easter Sunday, April 21st , is a day I will always remember. As I listened to your Easter greeting and received your Easter blessing, and as I watched you ride through St. Peter’s Square, my heart felt that you were saying goodbye to all of us. I was filled with sadness because you were bearing so much physical pain yet you still offered us hope and Resurrection joy. I watched as you rode through St. Peter’s Square and you could barely lift your hand to offer us your blessing. It was so painful for you to reach out to the children who were brought to you for your touch and kiss. There was no limit to the love and compassion you poured out upon us when you were in agony. In my heart, Easter joy and celebration was mixed with tears and grief.
From the first moment you were introduced as “Pope Francis” I felt my spirit and heart connect with yours. I believed that you would become a significant person in my life. You became my hero, spiritual guide and beloved friend. You taught me how to live the Gospel with greater courage, fidelity and love. You lived what you believed. With your whole being you proclaimed your love for Jesus and your presence brought His joy, compassion and love throughout the world. You taught me that “following Jesus demands a good dose of courage” and “opens up new horizons of joy”.
Throughout the last 12 years you were my spiritual guide through your numerous writings and spoken reflections. I looked forward to the Angelus on Sundays and whenever you spoke. I would imagine I was in your presence. I pondered your words. You will continue to be my spiritual guide. You will always be my hero. I accompanied you in spirit to many countries and walked with you among those who are forgotten, neglected, violated and destroyed in our world. Wherever you went you created a “revolution of tenderness”. You put before me the questions: “When you reach out to those who are suffering…immigrants, migrants, imprisoned, homeless, poor… do you look them in the eye? Do you embrace them without being afraid? Do you love others from a distance or with tenderness and closeness?”
As your beloved friend, I wished everyone would really know who you were in your soul. There were many times you were misunderstood, rejected, criticized, judged and condemned. I watched from a distance and prayed for you. How did you have the courage to endure those times? You said that “even in the darkest moments I looked to Jesus and I trusted Him and He did not abandon me. He is a faithful companion. It is good for me to think of Jesus weeping because He is weeping with me. This is consolation and it keeps me going. All of us have wounded hearts. Take courage. Persevere in prayer. When we draw near to Jesus we feel compassion and tender love.”
You assured me that “with Jesus you find a home. Joy is the air Christians breathe! Jesus is the Risen One! With our eyes fixed on Jesus we see Him in the faces of others and they become our companions along the way! I have the joy of Jesus in my heart!”
Francis, my beloved friend, I continue to mourn the loss of your physical presence while I celebrate your passing because you are finally face to face with Jesus and Mary. I close this letter with your words: “May Our Lady, first disciple of the Lord, help us live as open and joyful disciples! May she accompany us through the lights and shadows of history on our journey to the Lord!”
Pope Francis, please pray for us!
Your friend,
Sandy