Pope Francis, whose life and teachings shocked, moved, and changed the world globally, has left behind something for every single person who met him. His simple lifestyle, which stepped out of many protocols, is admirable and unforgettable. The news of 90,000 people flocking to Saint Peter’s Basilica to pay homage to the resting Pope in a single day is not astonishing because such was his love for his flock—a global flock, not just Christians but everyone, all-inclusive and universal.
The Salvatorian family of laypeople, fathers, and sisters also feels the pinch of his loss at this troubling moment in our history. As the roar of war gets louder in our society, the Salvatorian family looks for new and renewed ways to be part of the peace movement called out by Pope Francis. Remembering and mourning the loss of this prophet of peace, Sr. Maria Yaneth Moreno has called out to all its members for prayer and thanksgiving for our beloved Pope. The Salvatorian family will gratefully remember Franciscus, who bestowed three remarkable gifts upon them.
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Pope Francis approved and beatified our dear founder, Bl. Francis Jordan, on May 15, 2021. In a video during the thanksgiving year for the beatification of Bl. Jordan, he lovingly addressed all Salvatorian family members and encouraged them not to be afraid to be apostles beyond borders.
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Under Pope Franciscus’ leadership, the Lay Salvatorian members received official papal recognition as the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life recognized them as an International Association of the Faithful.
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The Sisters of the Divine Savior received a private audience with him during their 22nd General Chapter. On this occasion, Pope Franciscus jokingly asked Sr. Maria Yaneth if they had any vocations from Europe. In his message on the same day, he told the Salvatorian Sisters to be like Maria, who was a polar star that directs everyone towards Jesus and not oneself.
The Salvatorian sisters had many other opportunities to meet and talk to Pope Franciscus because he was so simple that it was not difficult to approach him. For example, Sr. Gabriela Lemma, the former provincial superior of the Italian Salvatorian sisters, wrote a letter to him regarding the situation of their school in Sheildi, Albania. Surprisingly, they received a reply from Pope Francis himself. It is impossible to put into words how the Salvatorian family will miss our dear Franciscus.
Let us pray and continue to put into practise the teachings of Pope Franciscus.