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Habemus Papam!

Where were you yesterday when you heard the news of the white smoke?  I was waiting at a gate in the airport.  You will remember that for a life time.  God's providence allowed me to see the whole thing at the airport - from the white smoke to waiting for an hour to reading (no sound from the TV) the words "Habemus Papam!" before boarding a plane right after Pope Francis gave us his first blessing.  It was an exciting moment waiting in the airport.  It was a moment of pride to be Catholic, of joy in anticipating the news!  It was incredible to witness the crowd at St. Peter's and to know that millions were watching and waiting around the world.  Now we have a Papa again!  We Franciscans are joyful too with his choice of name! May our Holy Father Francis intercede from heaven for our Holy Father Francis on earth.

Today Pope Francis shares with us about the journey and the Cross in his first homily.  Let us remain in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to descend upon our new Pope.

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