As the joy overtook my afternoon, I reflected upon the time of Sede Vacante, or vacant chair of the Chair of Peter. There has been intense prayer everywhere I've gone, for the College of Cardinals and the workings of the Holy Spirit. Becca and I went to Adopt-a-Cardinal, and it randomly assigns you a cardinal for him to pray. So we wrote their names on the back of the prayer card we got from St. John's. And we were praying it daily until a pontiff was elected (no, we didn't 'win').
Yesterday was a wonderful votive mass at OLOM in honor of the beginning of the conclave, with a great historical homily by Fr. Miles. And after a nice reminder of "who we live for" by Mr. Al, I went to mass again today at lunch, and I believe that it readied me for the gift of joy, in which I'm still saturated.
The message went around the school like wildfire that white smoke was spotted. Everyone was encouraged to tap in to the live streams and show it in all classrooms. I found one to join. And I waited as the suspense, excitement, and joy seemed ready to knock me down. And then they turned on the lights in the room! And another 5 minutes passes...
Then the Cardinal Deacon came out to announce the Successor of Peter. I didn't recognize the cardinal's name, but I did catch the "Francesco". And to the roar of the hundreds of thousands in the square, the newest Holy Father, Pope Francis, stepped out on the balcony. I wonder what his first thoughts were at the sight. In looking at him, I was infused with a great comfort and reassurance that the Holy Spirit had done His work.
And then he spoke:
http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-his-first-words
Being a student of Italian, I caught most of what he said. The joy in my soul was revved up again as he asked for prayers for the Pope Emeritus with the Our Father, Hail Mary, and the Glory Be (isn't tradition great?!). And then asked everyone to pray for him in silence before he gave his blessing. The roar of the square dropped out in a second, and became nothing but a whisper, as I can imagine that the whole world watching did likewise. He bowed to the crowd, and the presence of his humility was transmitted around the globe. He blessed his new flock, and with it imparted a plenary indulgence!
He is the first pope from Latin America (although I prefer South, have you seen where Buenos Aires is!?), the first who is a Jesuit, and the first non-European pope in 1282 years! It's very good to remember, that God always gives us what we need, and what's best for us. So in the leader for the entire Church Militant, He is surely not going to go with a popular vote from secular media (and that's all I'll give mention of those folks).
Well, we know the Holy Spirit knows what He's doing, so let us pray everyday for our new Pontifex Maximus, and that he continue to be open to the Spirit and shine the Light of Christ in the world.
I just told Becca, I feel like the entire world got a really awesome birthday present today!
-Nick
P.S...On a cute side-note, a passing kindergarten class was asked if they'd seen the pope in class, and they cheered and yelled in the affirmative. "What's his name?" was inquired of them, to which one little gentleman responded, "Uh, um, uh, Marvin, Marvin!!!"
