Habemus Papam!

Viva Pope Francis!

What a blessing to be a part of this moment in history - I look forward to getting to know the man who has become our Papa and trust in the Holy Spirit's plan for us all.

As a family, we've enjoyed learning more about the process of electing a new pope and garnering trivia of elections past. Wacking a presumed dead pontiff in the head with a hammer, really?!? We looked at the college of cardinals, counting how many cardinals from various counries and checking out their ages.

It's been a priviledge to pray for these men as they have gathered in Rome, and our prayers remain with them and our new Pope.

Prayers...

...for Father Sam who is being treated at SAMC. May God grant him many more years before taking him home.

Also, Cardinal Dolan has asked us to pray a Novena to St. Joseph starting Monday March 11, for the pending Conclave. Here is the prayer: Speaking of the conclave, a possible family activity would be to do a papal unit study and create a 'lapbook.' Free printables can be found here.

Novena prayer to Saint Joseph

Saint Joseph, you are the faithful protector and intercessor of all who love and venerate you. I have special confidence in you. You are powerful with God and will never abandon your faithful servants. I humbly invoke you and commend myself, with all who are dear to me, to your intercession. By the love you have for Jesus and Mary, do not abandon me during life, and assist me at the hour of my death.

Glorious Saint Joseph, spouse of the immaculate Virgin, Foster-father of Jesus Christ, obtain for me a pure, humble, and charitable mind, and perfect resignation to the Divine Will. Be my guide, my father, and my model through life that I may merit to die as you did in the arms of Jesus and Mary.

Loving Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, I raise my heart to you to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the Heart of Jesus all the graces necessary for my spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special grace I now implore: (Mention your request). Guardian of the Word Incarnate, I am confident that your prayers on my behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God.

Speaking of the conclave, a possible family activity would be to do a papal unit study and create a 'lapbook.' Free printables can be found here.