Pope Francis visited us here in Philadelphia this weekend, bringing with him a spiritual magic that seems to have spread into even the most hopeless corners. Can you feel it in California? In Canada? I hope so.
The most moving moment for me was this morning as I watched him visit a prison and speak so genuinely: powerful and empowering words. He spoke to those prisoners - not as the dregs of humanity - but with great love in his voice and sadness for them and their families.
Why didn't he speak to the victims? Yes, of course. He spoke to the prisoners because that's where the crimes begin: with the criminals. By speaking to them, he address the root. He spreads hope in the root. And love.
He reaches down below the ground and blesses the very beginnings of life and nurtures it there.
Our world has been in need of a Visionary for some time now and here he is. Ghandi, King, Einstein, Francis. I believe Obama is a Visionary. That Maya Angelou was a Visionary. Eleanor Roosevelt. There are some Larger an d Lesser, male and female. You and me.
We can all try very hard to be visionaries. Imagine a future that is bright and hopeful and more beautiful that the present. Affect your own corner of the world with kindness and humility. Offer hope when you can and a kind word. Pay It Forward. I almost wish I were Catholic - wry grin.
I'll be back with art on Wednesday. Thanks for stopping by and indulging me. I'd love to hear your thoughts on Pope Francis and Visionaries. Maybe I'll devote some time this week to writing about it in my journal.
You thoughts are very poignant. I am a cradle Catholic having been baptized when I was 2 years old. I have been touched and inspired by Pope Francis since the day he was elected and stepped on to the balcony to address the world, not in rich clothing, but in his white cassock as humble priest. I taught a class this morning on his message to a group who had been confirmed into the church two weeks ago. The purpose was to show them what it means to be a lay minister for Christ. I used the tag line Pope Francis used yesterday during his homily "What about you" That message resonates as I look around for things to do to make the world a better place, not waiting for someone else to take the initiative, I have to ask myself, what about me? Thanks for sharing your wonderful thoughts.
Posted by: Glenda Hoagland | 09/27/2015 at 08:18 PM
Just love this guy; he's so real, so practical. He gives me a great deal of hope.
Posted by: paula | 09/27/2015 at 08:44 PM
Thanks for this post. Pope Francis is a visionary, a compassionate, loving, challenging, thoughtful and thought-provoking man. I love how he spends so much time with the ones that so many others ignore. What a great example of loving and caring for the least, the last, and the left behind. I hope the effect of his presence here in the States lasts for a very long time, for generations to come.
Posted by: GailNHB | 09/27/2015 at 09:11 PM
Beautiful, Glenda. Thank you so much for that. What about you (me)? I loved watching him last night when he went off script - so animated. Very real.
Posted by: Diana Trout | 09/27/2015 at 09:40 PM
Hope. Yes - the thing with feathers that perches in the soul (E Dickinson). Thanks Paula.
Posted by: Diana Trout | 09/27/2015 at 09:41 PM
Oh I hope so Gail! I think what Glenda says (here in the comments) that Francis asks "What about you?" What can WE do to keep this ball rolling.
Posted by: Diana Trout | 09/27/2015 at 09:43 PM
I have been watching a little on and off this past week. He really does have a strong message of love. For me this is what God is all about. I am not religious at all, but I truly believe God is love is God is love... Any soul that unites us and reminds us to be kind to each other (all of the "each others" regardless of their past or in which order they are pecked at) is a good thing! It's odd how love can be so controversial politically. Religion and politics aren't a good match let alone great supper conversation. But LOVE, what's there to argue about?? For me it's taking an extra moment to connect with a lonely neighbor or putting a nervous person at ease. Helping someone anonymously in a big way and keeping it anonymous no matter how much I'd LOVE to bask in the limelight of taking the credit. Phew! Sorry for the long post. I don't get out much! LOL!
Posted by: Stacy | 09/27/2015 at 11:23 PM
yes, that is it. Everything usually has political ramifications. There was a little of that. I’m not at all religious but the minute this guy stepped out, I looked up. And I’ll be paying close attention to what he has to say. I think that in this case, it isn’t just about God or religion. It’s about humanity. Thanks Stacy. I’ve got to get to bed ! :)
Posted by: Diana Trout | 09/27/2015 at 11:33 PM
you did a great job expressing all our thoughts. thank you! he is a treasure for us all
Posted by: lyle baxter | 09/28/2015 at 06:40 AM
Thank you!
Posted by: Diana Trout | 09/28/2015 at 12:28 PM
His visit here was like magic. When he smiles, kisses babies and blesses everyone in the crowd, I get a warm and calming effect in my thinking. He puts a smile on my face. I am not Catholic but, most of my family is Catholic. I have been to many masses in different churches while growing up.
He is all about peace and love.
What an amazing man.
Barb J
Posted by: Barb J. | 09/28/2015 at 07:37 PM
I was raised Catholic, Barb and didn't pay much attention. It was "required." I've been through my own version of sorting my spirituality out. I am more determined than ever - with his inspiration - to continue to affect my own bit of the world as best I can. Peace at all cost and unconditional love.
Posted by: Diana Trout | 09/28/2015 at 08:17 PM
I have been so impressed with what the Pope is saying, not just to Catholics, but to everyone. He has many positions on the issues that are so important now. The Pope's pro-earth message is so relevant now. I hope it spurs us to act and not just listen to his message. His anti-greed and wealth stance is also what we need to hear now. We need to have much more consideration for those who are less fortunate. Thanks, Diana, for posting about the impact of the Pope's visit on all of us.
Posted by: Claire M. | 09/28/2015 at 08:36 PM
Such positive and uplifting words.
Posted by: Nancy G. | 09/28/2015 at 08:48 PM
Very inspiring guy, right?
Posted by: Diana Trout | 09/28/2015 at 09:56 PM
I believe his message is so vital right now. I was so uplifted by his gentle wisdom.
Posted by: Diana Trout | 09/28/2015 at 09:58 PM
I too was raised a Catholic in a church where nuns and priests protested the war in Vietnam and stood with farmworkers. There was a time when I felt the church had left me so I left it and found new forms of spiritual practice. The Pope has made me remember there are really good people in every institution and that at the core of the teaching of Christ is love and tolerance.
Posted by: Margaret Abramshe | 09/28/2015 at 10:49 PM
Oh but you are still Catholic!! I think that's what Pope Francis might say! And he might also say whether you are a Catholic, a Jew, a Buddhist....the most Important thing is to be a good person. Right? Right!
Posted by: Amy | 09/29/2015 at 02:17 AM
Pope Francis is a great leader in a world where great leadership is needed. He speaks to us all, Catholics and non-Catholics ... he speaks to our human-ness.
Posted by: jan | 09/29/2015 at 10:27 AM
Human-ness. Exactly. And - oh boy! - do we need that right now. Thanks, Jan.
Posted by: Diana Trout | 09/29/2015 at 10:35 AM
That’s all I ever try to be : a good person. Are you saying that the walls are coming down? That’s very interesting. That Francis is saying that we should bring down the walls and throw away the boxes that we use to define us: catholic, buddhist, atheist?
Posted by: Diana Trout | 09/29/2015 at 11:32 AM
Yes, that is the core. Thanks Margaret! If we could just keep those directions on our moral compass ….
Posted by: Diana Trout | 09/30/2015 at 11:11 AM
I watch all the Pope elections partially because of the drama but also because it is one of the more fascinating institutions at a world level. Someone lucky/cursed enough to get elected but becomes the final word of a huge church. Pretty trippy. This one was a mistake for the Good Old Men/Boys. Poor dudes. To them bureaucracy and stuffy legal religious politics is the height of their religion. This one is a mistake as far as they are concerned. The rest of the world (minus some conservatives who still go to mass in Latin, etc.) love his simple, logical, heartfelt message. He is saying that the Pope's job is to be an example of the basic purpose of religion to improve our own lives and those around us. How mind blowing is that?!!
Posted by: SusanJane | 10/01/2015 at 06:10 AM
I think his election was a smart move on the part of the Catholic church. They have to move forward. I’ve got my eye on him for sure.
Posted by: Diana Trout | 10/03/2015 at 03:21 PM