A Priest and a Pontiff
Memorial Mass for Pope Francis
Reminder of God’s Mercy
By Reverend Andrew DeRouen
Diocese of Lake Charles
From atop the haphazard stack of sketches on my studio desk, a few of us architecture students – Catholic or otherwise curious – monitored the ongoing papal conclave while completing our projects. We marveled at the fact that from over 5,000 miles away, this emerging technology on YouTube called “livestreaming” could make such a historical event so freely accessible.
It was 2013, and I was a 20-year-old college kid without even a proximate thought of the priesthood on my mind. Little did I know that the appearance of white smoke would so sharply define the imminent era, much less, that by the next time it happened, I would have twice met the very man elected and, after his passing, concelebrated a memorial Mass for him with my brother priests.
With true sadness we have learned of the death of the Sovereign Pontiff, Pope Francis. The passing away of a Vicar of Christ is always an occasion of sorrow for the Church. We are united in prayer with those who mourn the loss of our Holy Father. At the same time, we trust, as did he, in the mercy of God and in the promise of Eternal Life given by our Lord Jesus Christ. The true Shepherd has never ceased in leading the flock to green pastures, and He will shepherd us still. May Pope Francis rest in peace. 
