To: The Georgian Court Community
From: The Office of Mission & Ministry
Date: April 21, 2025
This morning, many of us awoke to the sad news of Pope Francis’ passing: “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,” said Cardinal Kevin Farrell as he announced the pontiff’s death.
As a Catholic university, Georgian Court University recalls Francis’ encouragement for Catholic higher education “to shed light on the deepest human aspirations by offering insight and understanding, as well as the ‘reasons of hope’ born of faith, and thus assisting the Church to engage confidently in dialogue on the great issues of our time.” He invited us to “get our hands dirty” for the transformation of the world and in service to the human person. (Address to the International Federation of Catholic Universities, Friday, 19 January 2024)
As a Mercy institution, we also appreciated that Pope Francis championed Mercy as central to our life of faith: “We need constantly to contemplate the mystery of mercy. It is a wellspring of joy, serenity, and peace. Our salvation depends on it. Mercy: the word reveals the very mystery of the Most Holy Trinity. Mercy: the ultimate and supreme act by which God comes to meet us. Mercy: the fundamental law that dwells in the heart of every person who looks sincerely into the eyes of his brothers and sisters on the path of life. Mercy: the bridge that connects God and man, opening our hearts to the hope of being loved forever despite our sinfulness.” (Misericordiae Vultus, April 11, 2015)
As a Mercy Community, we invite prayers of gratitude for the life and ministry of this humble, joyful, and welcoming servant. Those who wish to gather in prayer to informally remember Pope Francis are welcome to attend daily Communion Services, Monday through Thursday, at 8:30 am in St. Stephen’s Chapel. A more formal service will be planned for a later date.
