Hope lives on
Reflections on Pope Francis, the Triduum, and turning 30
Yesterday I turned 30 (!!!!). I feel… pretty much the same? But the celebration—an all-day walk around Sydney with two of my dearest friends visiting from DC, a swim in the ocean, and a stunning dinner party overlooking the coast at a new friend’s home—felt like the culmination of a lesson the Lord has been teaching me throughout my 20s: “Let me take care of you.”
Over and over again, He’s prompted me with those words.
If you had asked me even six weeks ago what I thought my 30th birthday would look like, I couldn’t have dreamed this up. But that’s exactly how the Lord works—when we give Him the space to move. He surprises us, He loves us through others, and He gives us more than we could ever chase down for ourselves.
It’s been a big week, filled with things far more important than my birthday. Lent culminated in the Triduum—three of my favorite days of the year. I joined some new friends on a pilgrimage of the Seven Churches, and it was an absolute delight. I’m so grateful for these women—for the joy, the laughter, the deep intercessory prayer (and the McFlurry and fries stop along the way, obviously).
I attended a beautiful Good Friday service at St. Mary’s Cathedral here in Sydney and returned for Easter Sunday Mass. It was one of the most moving Triduums I’ve ever experienced.
In international news, Pope Francis passed away yesterday. I’m so deeply grateful for the witness he was (and continues to be) of God’s intimate, personal love for each of us. His homilies and writings have long been among my favorites. Please join me in praying for him, for the Church, and for his successor—that the Lord’s will be done.
As we celebrate the Easter Octave, and mourn the passing of Pope Francis, I’m drawn to his message of hope. Pope Francis lived, preached, and encouraged hope in a remarkable way, and this jubilee year of hope is only a reminder of his commitment.
Speaking of hope in Washington DC in 2016, Pope Francis said:
“Hope speaks to us of a thirst, an aspiration, a longing for a life of fulfillment, a desire to achieve great things, things that fill our heart and lift our spirit to lofty realities like truth, goodness, and beauty, justice and love.”
In his memory, let us never lose that thirst.
In Christ,
Jane
What I’m loving lately
little scarf miracle
On Good Friday, I went for a long walk with my friends and, at some point, lost my favorite Litany “memento mori” hair scarf. I didn’t realize this until we were all the way home - so I quickly turned and headed back the way we came. As I got closer and closer to the church, my hope for finding it quickly dwindled. But then, as I ascended the steps of the Cathedral, I saw her fluttering in the wind!! It was a Good Friday miracle. I also took it as an invitation to head into the church early and pray the stations before the 3p service. The providence was a double dose: the return of my hair scarf AND extra time to sit with the Lord on the afternoon of His passion.
The Moments that Shape our Faith
I loved this article in the New York Times that showcased short blurbs from faith leaders about the moments where their faith was influenced and informed. It inspired me to think about what I would write if asked the same question. Stay tuned, could be an upcoming newsletter!
Prayer intentions
For a special intention
For the soul of Pope Francis
For friends looking for new jobs
For my friend Grace who entered the church at the Easter Vigil, and for all those who joined with her around the world!
Happiest of Birthdays! So glad you found your scarf. Truly an Easter miracle :).