Over the past few days, we’ve welcomed students from three schools in the city.  They came to celebrate Mass with the people who gather here to pray every day.  They came to give thanks for blessings received and enjoyed.  Each morning, the students arrived: a steady stream of little bodies, each one carrying its own story of wonder and celebration.

As they entered the church, each student was handed a small card.  On one side of the card was a picture of the Holy Father, Pope Francis; on the other side were the words of a prayer for the health and continued guidance of the Holy Spirit for the Pope.  This picture, and many like it, have been circulated throughout the world ever since Pope Francis began his ministry as the Bishop of Rome.  There is even a picture of him in every one of the schools from which these children had come.

Imagine my surprise when I overheard one and then another little voice ask: Who is this?

I suppose we have some more work to do.