Dear Friends,
While gathering for my cousin Gregg’s birthday lunch this past Thursday (May 8th) , my phone started lighting up!
Yes, it was a time to acknowledge my cousins’ birthday, but also the selection of our new Pope! Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, born September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, was newly chosen to be the 267th Bishop of Rome!
What an exciting moment for the Roman Catholic Church, all its members, and all our sisters and brothers throughout the world! This devout man of God was prophesied by a neighbor when he was in first grade that “he would be the first American Pope!” That young person was so on spot!
Our newly chosen Pope, chose the name of Leo XIV. It reveals much to his vision to serve justly all people! The first Augustinian Pope, Leo XIV is the second Roman Pontiff, after Pope Francis, from the Americas!
This man of God grew up in Chicago. He graduated from Villanova University in 1977 with a Degree in Mathematics and also studied Philosophy. This same year he entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine in Saint Louis, in the Province of Our Lady of Good Counsel of Chicago. He made his first profession on September 2, 1978, and solemn vows on August 29,1981.
He received theological education at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and studied Canon Law in Rome, Italy at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas. Pope Leo was ordained a priest on June 19, 1982.
I am so excited for our church with Pope Leo! He and I were born the same year and many have known us as being called “Rob.” I pray that my vocation may reflect alongside him our great love of our brother, Jesus Christ, and that in my own humble way, to serve alongside Pope Leo, to the best of our spiritual gifts to serve all our brothers and sisters.
What an exciting time we share with one another in these remaining days leading up to our Pentecost! So much will continue to be revealed not only about Pope Leo, but you and me as well, as we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us in joys of disciples resounding Easter Alleluias!
Looking forward to going forward with each of you as faithful disciples of our Risen Brother!
Blessings,
Fr. Rob