Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Happy Easter and Greetings from Chicago where I am enjoying a brief vacation this week.
As I was taking in a museum this morning, I received a message from our very own Faith Formation Coordinator, Kimmie Gibson: "White smoke, white smoke!!!". Other enthusiastic messages quickly followed and I watched the happenings from the Vatican through their official English language livestream. Having only the aspiration to pray and no desire to speculate, I knew that I was going to be surprised by the result of the conclave. While there are many surprises of the election of Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost [i.e. born in Chicago and raised in the US, priest of the Order of St. Augustine, Doctor of Canon Law, Peruvian bishop], all surprises are minuscule compared to the great joy that we have a pope, Pope Leo XIV.
I thank parishioners who joined me in praying for the happy repose of the soul of Pope Francis. May we continue to pray for his soul and the souls of the faithful departed. In line with the 9 days of mourning in Rome, I have offered 7 Masses for the repose of his soul and plan to offer 2 more Masses.
I also thank parishioners who prayed for all who served in the conclave as electors and sought the divine aid of the Holy Spirit in their work: including, but not limited to, our Archbishop, Cardinal Robert McElroy; our Archbishop Emeritus, Cardinal Wilton Gregory; and our Apostolic Nuncio, Cardinal Christophe Pierre.
Please join me in this prayer for Our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV:
O God, who chose your servant Leo
in succession to the Apostle Peter
as shepherd of the whole flock,
look favorably on the supplications of your people
and grant that, as Vicar of Christ on earth,
he may confirm his brethren
and that the whole Church may be in communion with him
in the bond of unity, love and peace,
so that in you, the shepherd of souls,
all may know the truth and attain life eternal.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
The election of a pope is an occasion for prayer and celebration. I look forward to returning from Chicago and celebrating with you this weekend. We will also celebrate Mother's Day and our local tradition of the May Altars at the Sacred Heart Hall.
- Saturday, May 10 -> 2 - 6 PM
- Sunday, May 11 -> After Sunday Masses until 1 PM
- Monday, May 12 -> 10 AM - 4 PM
As I shared at the beginning of the Easter season, may we thrive in all times with our baptismal call of Christian discipleship.
Yours in the Risen Christ,
Rev. Kevin A. Fields
Administrator, Holy Angels Parish & Sacred Heart Parish
