Our Jesuit Connection with Pope Francis
The following reflection was written in 2013 shortly after Pope Francis began his papacy. While Pope Francis is no longer with us, the manner in which he lived his life will always be a powerful example of what it means to live a life of great virtue. Our founder, Fr. Jean Pierre Medaille, also a Jesuit, wrote the Maxims of Perfection for Souls Aspiring to the Great Virtue. From those, he extracted the Maxims of the Little Institute, 100 short sayings to help the first Sisters of St. Joseph grow in virtue. As Pope Francis is laid to rest, we join the global community in offering our prayers of gratitude for the witness of his life.
by Ann Marie Cappello, SSJ
Something resonates deep inside me as I read about Pope Francis and listen to what the media is reporting. What impresses me most is that he practices what he preaches and demonstrates a desire to be among those he serves, not separate from them.
By his words and example, he encourages us to respond to the needs of the poor, the homeless, the immigrants, the ill, the imprisoned, those suffering from the ravages of wars, and all who are oppressed or isolated in any way. It occurred to me that Pope Francis’ words and actions reflect the very mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph – unity of neighbor with neighbor and neighbor with God, without distinction.
In a recent interview conducted by Antonio Spadaro, SJ, Pope Francis said, “The thing the Church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful; it needs nearness, proximity. I see the Church as a field hospital after battle.”
As Sisters of St. Joseph, the gift of the Holy Spirit that we bring to the Church is that of unity and reconciliation – the togetherness and healing Pope Francis expresses. Through this all-embracing, all-inclusive love, we are encouraged to live and work among all persons from whom we do not separate ourselves in any way, much like Pope Francis does.
In the same interview, Pope Francis, a Jesuit, speaks of discernment being part of his Ignatian spirituality and how it helps him live his ministry. Discernment, a prayerful process of finding where the spirit of God may be leading us, is also part of our spirituality. As Sisters of St. Joseph, we fulfill our mission by seeking out and undertaking whatever ministry best brings unity. We respond to the call to minister through prayerful discernment, both communally and individually.
As I continue to reflect on what I hear and see about Pope Francis, I can’t help but think about our Jesuit connection. It was a Jesuit missionary, Jean Pierre Medaille, SJ, who founded the Sisters of St. Joseph in 17th century France, and Pope Francis is now the first Jesuit pope in the Church’s history. Perhaps the time has never been better for unity of neighbor with neighbor and neighbor with God, without distinction.
