A LASTING TESTAMENT OF LOVE AND SERVICE

On Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, as the Church celebrated the Resurrection of Christ, heaven welcomed a humble and holy shepherd - Pope Francis, the 266th successor of St. Peter. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on 17 December 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he returned to his heavenly home at the age of 88. Elected on 13 March 2013, Pope Francis touched countless lives during his 12 remarkable years as Pope.

Pope Francis has truly been my favourite Pope, thus far! He was profoundly down-to-earth, deeply pastoral, and radically committed to the less fortunate. I have had the privilege of serving under three Popes: Saint Pope John Paul II (for 2 years), Pope Benedict XVI (for 8 years), and Pope Francis (for 12 years) and it is Pope Francis who has really touched my heart in a special way. His simplicity, authenticity and unwavering love for the marginalised made the Gospel come alive.

Pope Francis holds a special place in history as the first Jesuit Pope, the first from Latin America, and the first to adopt the name Francis, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi. This name truly reflects the significance of his papacy. He has always shown deep compassion for those often overlooked, such as the forgotten, the voiceless, and the broken. He instituted the World Day of the Poor and the World Day of the Elderly to remind the global Church to focus on assisting those in need. This year, we are excited to celebrate the 8th World Day of the Poor, which stands as a lasting testament to his vision and compassion!

I remember catching a glimpse of him from a distance, during a Wednesday General Audience in Rome on one of my pilgrimages. Although I never had a personal encounter, I felt his warmth. He radiated a vibrant spirit through the crowd. Pope Francis was not only a leader for 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, but also a spiritual father to humanity. He championed environmental care, human fraternity, and synodality. His five major encyclicals shaped our understanding of faith and social justice. 

These teachings led the People of God to embrace faith in word and action, building bridges, healing wounds within families, and journeying together in synodality. Above all, Pope Francis was the brainchild behind the Synod of Synodality – a vision of the Church as communion, participation and mission. He called the Church to journey together, to listen deeply, and to recognise the Spirit at work in every person. He elevated the Church to new heights, not through power, but through humility - to journey together, to uplift the poor, and to love without borders.

He is the first Pope buried outside St. Peter’s Basilica, finding a peaceful resting place in St. Mary Major Basilica. This special choice reflected his love for Our Lady, and his closeness to the people, as it is the Marian sanctuary he often visited for quiet moments of prayer.

Rest in peace, Jorge Mario Bergoglio – Pope Francis. You truly were a shepherd who smelled like his sheep, and a disciple who followed in the footsteps of Christ.

RECONNECT, REFRESH AND EMBRACE GRACE

Christ is Risen, Alleluia!

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!” (Psalm 118:24). 

As we celebrate Easter, our hearts are filled with joy and hope! Holy Week was a beautiful time, reflecting on our journey through Christ’s Passion - where we witnessed love being betrayed, denied and crucified - yet on Easter morning, we come together to celebrate love triumphant and resurrected - love that conquered even death itself.  The Resurrection of the Lord Jesus reminds us that God's love never fails us as we face life’s ups and downs. Our celebration feels even more special this year, because of the spirit of the Jubilee Year of Hope. Let’s remember that “Love has risen in us!”

One of the most beautiful expressions of love and hope occurred on Holy Thursday, when our outstanding youth staged a heartfelt play about the Passion of the Lord. They skillfully combined Christ’s suffering with a message of hope, featuring our Jubilee Year mascots - Luce and Friends. Their performance was so moving that it brought tears to some, with many moments for reflection. What truly stood out was how they planted a seed of hope in all our hearts. Their dedication was genuinely inspiring. They practised so hard - often late into the evening - all because they wanted to make Holy Week special for themselves and our entire Parish family.

Witnessing the tremendous involvement of teenagers, young adults and Parishioners in the Passion Sunday and Triduum liturgies and spiritual programmes was truly inspiring. Your enthusiasm really showed that the Church is vibrant and thriving! It reminds us that Easter is not just about remembering what happened back then, but what is happening now. Christ has risen, and because of that, we have the power to rise too - from sin, fear, and setbacks - into new and exciting lives!

Our Lenten journey has been a wonderful time of preparation. Even if we didn’t fulfil all our commitments or spiritual practices perfectly, the joyful message of Easter reminds us that there is always a chance for renewal. The Risen Lord opens His arms to us, offering mercy instead of judgment. The Jubilee Year invites us to reconnect, refresh and embrace grace. Knowing that God’s love is patient and His timing is always perfect is reassuring. Indeed, He has a way of making all things beautiful in His time.

As a Parish family, we are excited about the upcoming events. The weeks and months leading up to June will be filled with amazing spiritual activities. It is also a chance for us to welcome one another, serve our community, and deepen our faith together. Let’s make it a point to live out the spirit of Easter every day, and not just celebrate it. Let our lives be an attestment that Love has risen and is alive in us! 

A TIME FOR PROFOUND RENEWAL

We begin Holy Week - the most sacred and meaningful week in our church calendar. Out of all 52 weeks, Holy Week stands apart, and invites us to a deeper understanding of our faith and a renewed commitment to our spiritual journey. This week leads us up to the Cross, and ultimately, to the joy of Easter Sunday. Do not miss attending the liturgies each day, and open our hearts deeper to God’s love. Let’s dedicate this time to reflection, prayer and preparation for the joy of the Resurrection.

Holy Week commences with Palm Sunday - a day that commemorates Jesus’ joyful entry into Jerusalem. We wave palm branches and sing “Hosanna” as part of our celebration. This moment marks the beginning of the Paschal Mystery celebrations, which encompass the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. What joyful moments are we celebrating? Let’s take this opportunity to reflect together!

Throughout Holy Week, let’s take time to deepen our faith together. One wonderful way to do this is by attending the Triduum Masses and services: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil. Each liturgical celebration offers a special opportunity for us to engage in various practices that enrich our faith. We remember the Last Supper and Christ’s beautiful command to love one another on Holy Thursday. Good Friday brings us to the foot of the Cross - where we confront the challenges of suffering and sin. Then, we joyfully anticipate the Resurrection at the Easter Vigil.

As we journey through Holy Week, let’s take some time to focus on forgiveness. Although it can sometimes be difficult, it is essential for our spiritual well-being. Forgiveness is a crucial aspect of our Christian faith as it facilitates our growth. This week presents us a wonderful opportunity to look inward, and examine any grudges or resentments we may have held onto for months or even years. As this is a special Jubilee Year, we are encouraged to reflect on reconciling with God and one another. Let’s embrace this time to forgive freely, and welcome each other with open hearts!

In His final moments on the Cross, Jesus demonstrated an example of love by praying for those who crucified Him, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23: 33). This profound act of unconditional love teaches us that forgiveness is a choice that can liberate both ourselves and others. As we reflect on our own lives, we can take meaningful steps toward forgiveness. Start with prayer - asking God to soften our hearts, and help us let go of past grievances and hurts - which can pave the way for healing.

May we open our hearts and make peace with those we may have hurt. Let the coming week be a time for seeking forgiveness, and a time for profound renewal - joyfully leading us to the celebration of Easter, and the promise of new life. Let us carry the spirit of forgiveness beyond this week, allowing it to guide our actions throughout the Jubilee Year.

Wishing you a grace-filled and prayerful Holy Week!

UTILISING TECHNOLOGY RESPONSIBLY

During the month of April, the Holy Father invites us to pray for the responsible use of new technologies. He emphasises that technology should not replace human relationships, but rather assist us in addressingcurrent crises. Pope Francis encourages us to spend less time on screens and more time engaging with one another, as overusing devices may lead to disconnection from those who are near and dear to us.

Technology is truly a gift, and we are so grateful to use it. It is amazing how we can access technology to stay in touch with the people we care about. Whether through phone calls, text messages, or audio and video chats - we can easily connect with our children, family, and friends no matter how far apart we may be. It is a tool which can be used to keep us connected.

However, technology is not just about keeping us connected - it can also enrich our spiritual lives! With our phones, digital tools and the internet, we can explore spiritual readings, prepare for Mass and listen to inspiring reflections from priests, bishops, and other spiritual leaders. These advancements offer a wonderful chance to deepen our faith, and grow closer to God.

However, while technology is powerful and convenient, it also presents risks. Misusing it can lead to distractions, ethical dilemmas and harm. As Saint Pope John Paul II said, “if television, phones, or any media lead us to sin, we must be disciplined to turn them off”. We should use these tools wisely so that they assist us rather than lead us astray.

One of the dangers of technology is the temptation to browse inappropriate content or to spend excessive time scrolling using our devices. Many websites promote things like violence or unhealthy lifestyles, which is not what we desire. Pope Francis encourages us to use technology to connect with each other and to learn new things. He reminds us not to let it undermine human dignity or mislead us with artificial intelligence or unethical content. 

Let’s utilise these technologies to enhance our knowledge, support our work and studies, and assist our communities. If we misuse technology and harm one another, we risk damaging our relationships, as well as compromising community ties. Instead, use technology as a tool for progressing at work, gaining knowledge, building relationships and sustaining unity.

We beseech God to open our hearts and inspire scientists and cultural leaders with wisdom and fresh ideas. Let us unite in prayer, hoping that these technologies will pave the way for a bright and promising future. In this Jubilee Year - to obtain the plenary indulgence - let us pray for wisdom and guidance in utilising technology responsibly, in our current digital world.