In memory of Pope Francis, our brother in Christ and witness to the power of the risen Lord, I offer this piece taken from his encyclical Laudato Si.  May we pray the words faithfully.  May we heed the words humbly.  May we live the words courageously.  In so doing, may we become the people God created us to be. In so doing, may God’s created order, especially the most innocent and weak among us, abundantly flourish.

All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. 

Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty. Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one. 

O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes.

Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. 

Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth. 

Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light.

We thank you for being with us each day. Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle

for justice, love and peace.

Rest in peace, faithful Francis.

Art