Prayers for Pope Leo XIV!

Dear St. Catherine Parish Family,

Today the Church throughout the world rejoices in the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV! As I am sure you all know, he is the first Pope from the United States. He grew up and ministered during his early priesthood in Chicago but later ministered for several years in Peru. Most recently, he has been working at the Vatican as the Prefect for the Dicastery of Bishops, which is the department that selects bishops for dioceses around the world.

In the coming weeks and months ahead, I know we will be hearing frequently from him and will be learning a great deal more about him. In the meantime, please join me in praying for Pope Leo as he begins his ministry as the successor of St. Peter and the shepherd of the whole Church.

Lord, source of eternal life and truth, give to your shepherd a spirit of courage and right judgment, a spirit of knowledge and love. By governing with fidelity those entrusted to his care, may he, as successor to the Apostle Peter and Vicar of Christ, build your Church into a sacrament of unity, love and peace for all the world. Amen.

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Neil