2013 Spring Peacemaker - National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia

A bridge to a new era...we ReCenTLY experienced amomentous happening, the rareoccurrence of a papal resignation.One would expect from the leaderof Catholic Christianity the examplewe are called to follow, as theacknowledged successor to theapostles, particularly Peter, modelsfor us the way that Jesus taught hisdisciples to act. “I­have­come­notto­be­served­but­to­serve,” Jesustold us, his model of leadership instark contrast to those who “lordedit over” their people. Taking thenotion of service to its most radicalaspect, he literally gave himself upfor us, for the forgiveness of sins.To be forgiven is the ultimate healing,to forgive the ultimate gift ofhealing the soul.By his resignation, Pope BenedictXVI conceded the limitations of hishumanity and willingly put thegood of the Church before his ownwelfare. He leaves a Church incrisis, beset by many challenges,and admitted that he does not havethe stamina to provide what isneeded. His humility is a sourceof hope, a healing influence on aChurch reeling from scandals.As is the case with every ordinaryhuman being, our notion ofChristian stewardship is thatwhatever we have been given, asin our time, talent and treasure, isa God-given gift not for our benefitonly, but to be shared with others.Pope Benedict’s parting wordsincluded the statement “I­willsimply­be­a­pilgrim­who­is­startingthe­last­phase­of­his­pilgrimage­onthis­earth.” Pope, President or Popstar, we all share the same human18