_

Thursday, March 14, 2013

I love him already

Our family has a new father. Our church has a new pope, the gentle and humble Pope Francis.

Source
I had EWTN live-streaming on my computer at work all afternoon, to the bemusement of my Lutheran office-mate. My Catholic colleagues also had the news on in their offices, and we ran around very excitedly discussing the news.

Previously my roommates and I had agreed that we would automatically have a party whatever day the new pope was elected, so the first thing I did on seeing the white smoke was send out emails, texts, and Facebook messages: "POPE PARTY AT MY HOUSE TONIGHT!!!"

A small crowd of us gathered for "Pope Francis cake" (aka a strawberry and whipped cream cake I picked up at the grocery store), mugs of hot chocolate spiked with Irish cream, chips and salsa, cookies, and whatever other snacks Colleen and I found lying around the kitchen. Guests brought Argentinian wine (clever) and craft beers, and one couple brought their two adorable children. The three-year-old girl looked up at me very seriously and asked as I took her coat, "Did you hear the news? There's a new pope." Thank you, dear, that's why we're having this party.

It wasn't quite as crazy epic as the neighborhood party my mum threw in 2005, when she got the grocery-store ladies to write "Habemus papam!" on a sheet cake. But we toasted to the new pope, discussed his name at length, and shared what we know of his background. We even had a Baptist friend stop by, in a sweet gesture of ecumenism, to congratulate us partying Catholics (and drink with us, of course).

What a lovely, lovely day yesterday was. I can't wait to get to know our new pope—and to meet him for a little while on our honeymoon in May.

And the rest of the week is shaping up to be just as good—Frank is driving down to DC for his spring break, and this weekend we're flying to Miami for the family bridal shower. I'm counting down the hours til he gets here!

4 comments:

  1. I agree- such a totally lovely day! And a great excuse to drink Malbec ;) Sounds like you have a lot to look forward to coming up soon! I hope your days are filled with joy and love, friend.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Although I am Baptist, I would agree with the, "I love him already" sentiment. Are you going to get your marriage blessed by him when you go to Rome?

    ReplyDelete
  3. I would be interested in a Montessori-related post, especially if anything was said for adapting her work to older kids (7 years and older).

    Pope Francis is truly a gift from God. The fact that he is a Jesuit is also a bonus for me since I treasure Ignatian Spirituality. Let us all pray for him :)

    I love the fact that you chose Rome for your honeymoon. I went once when I was a teenager and have a great desire to go again. I guess that it's a wonderful place to visit as newlyweds. Check about any opportunities to meet the pope in order to bless the wedding. That would truly be a blessing!

    ReplyDelete
  4. POPE PARTY?! I wish I could have come!

    ReplyDelete