Good News
This term our school has taken inspiration and guidance from a quote from the late Pope Francis. He described Christians as “…pilgrims who take risks, put in effort, and have [the] goal [of] reaching God.”
Just like Jesus often used stories and parables to teach and guide others, Pope Francis often used metaphors and analogies that resonated with people’s daily life experiences so they could relate to more, connect more with God, and better understand God’s teachings.
The late Pope Francis’ quote: “We are pilgrims, who take risks, put in effort, and have [the] goal [of] reaching God” captures his message about people’s faith journeys being similar to going on a pilgrimage. He focused on the importance of taking risks, putting in effort, and through our thoughts, words and actions, striving towards the ultimate goal of spiritual fulfillment and closeness with God.
This key message reflects the Late Pope Francis’ teachings on the importance of both prayer and action. He encouraged people to deepen their faith and trust in God through prayer, and then to actively make the world a better place by taking action to create a world of peace and hope.
On Sunday 18 May 2025, Pope Leo XIV inaugurated his Petrine Ministry with a Mass in Saint Peter’s Square, attended by over 200,000 pilgrims, world leaders, and representatives from various religions and Christian denominations.
Here is an excellent extract and some key points from an article in the Catholic Voice that encapsulates what lies at the heart of our new pope, Pope Leo XIV’s mission.
"Pope Leo XIV began his pontificate with humility, calling himself a servant of faith and joy, chosen without merit, and committed to walking with others in God’s love
His inaugural homily set the tone for a pontificate rooted in love, unity, and service. In a world torn by war and division, he proclaimed the Gospel of compassion and fraternity, reflecting a God who calls us to be one family.
Emphasizing service over power, he called for love modelled on Jesus—self-giving, humble, and inclusive.
Pope Leo XIV’s homily showed us a glimpse of the icon often proposed by the late Pope Francis.
It is the image of the shepherd who walks before the flock to lead it; among the flock to accompany it, without feeling superior or separate; and also, behind the flock, to ensure that none are lost and to gather the last, those most fatigued by the journey.
Pope Leo XIV calls us to offer God’s love to everyone, to be a sign of unity, peace and love in the world. He invites us to journey forward together as one family, to cast our gaze out wide so we can proclaim a Gospel of love and confront today’s questions, restlessness and challenges."
The full article can be found at: https://www.catholicvoice.org.au/pope-leo-xivs-call-for-church-to-be-a-little-leaven-of-unity-and-love/
Lord God,
You have given us Pope Leo XIV,
a humble shepherd and servant of faith and joy.
Help us follow his example—
walking together in love,
serving one another with compassion,
and sharing Your peace in a divided world.
Make us one family, united in hope,
faithful in service and generous in love.
Amen.