From the night of 13th March 2013, when he stepped on to the balcony last week amidst a thunderous and joyous 'Habemus Papam' to this day, 19th March, 2013, when he inaugurated his Petrine ministry, Pope Francis has had a frequent phrase on his lips, rather a humble request, " Please pray for me ". More than humility, it is rather wisdom that prompts him to seek the collaboration of his flock, first and foremost, in prayer, Indeed, as a poet once put it: "more things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of".
Thinking about an important quality for good leadership, I recall a latin dictum: Si doctus es, doce nos; si sanctus es, ora pro nobis; sed si sapiens es, rege nos. (If you are learned, teact us; if you are holy, pray for us; but if you are wise, govern us). Perhaps, Church leadership today needs wisdom.
No doubt, the Holy Spirit has guided the Church, down the centuries and in very difficult situations, through timely leaders, Popes who have been acknowledged for their learning, holiness and wisdom. This only confirms the faithfulness of Jesus who assured us: "I will be with you till the end of times."
Within a week of his ministry as Bishop of Rome and even before the inauguration of papacy as the Vicar of Christ, the Catholic Church and the world community has hailed Pope Francis, as a humble and simple priest all out to translate Church authority into service "of the poor and for the poor".
Wisdom nourished by prayer seems to be the path of change and renewal that Pope Francis intends to follow in order to confront the many challenges affecting the life of the Church. How wise of him to begin with his humble request, "please pray for me". Let us do so promptly and like him, humbly request each other, "please pray for me".
Thinking about an important quality for good leadership, I recall a latin dictum: Si doctus es, doce nos; si sanctus es, ora pro nobis; sed si sapiens es, rege nos. (If you are learned, teact us; if you are holy, pray for us; but if you are wise, govern us). Perhaps, Church leadership today needs wisdom.
No doubt, the Holy Spirit has guided the Church, down the centuries and in very difficult situations, through timely leaders, Popes who have been acknowledged for their learning, holiness and wisdom. This only confirms the faithfulness of Jesus who assured us: "I will be with you till the end of times."
Within a week of his ministry as Bishop of Rome and even before the inauguration of papacy as the Vicar of Christ, the Catholic Church and the world community has hailed Pope Francis, as a humble and simple priest all out to translate Church authority into service "of the poor and for the poor".
Wisdom nourished by prayer seems to be the path of change and renewal that Pope Francis intends to follow in order to confront the many challenges affecting the life of the Church. How wise of him to begin with his humble request, "please pray for me". Let us do so promptly and like him, humbly request each other, "please pray for me".
yes father, it is when we ask for prayers to others we really tell them that they are more closer to God and their prayers are heard by Him. It not only shows our humility but also our respect and esteem for the other.
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