This is a sad time for Catholic Christians around the world. Last Sunday was Easter and Pope Francis was celebrating his last Easter on earth. He was special to many for lots of reasons, some of which are the fact that he was the first Latin American pope, the first Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church, and the first to serve while his predecessor was still living. He was an advocate for many of the traditionally marginalized groups. The above photo of the façade of Our Lady of Grace (OLG) church in Greensboro looks so somber with those dark clouds behind it and with no sign of people. What is a church without its members? without its leader? The conclave of cardinals usually convenes within 20 days of the pontiff's death.
We wish we could be in one of Greensboro's Catholic Churches today to hear the service. The church will be switching from Easter celebrations to a period of mourning. Perhaps there have already been special masses. OLD was built in 1952 and it is so lovely inside and out, and it has a very special history. Read here to learn more.