Dear Administrators, Faculty, Staff, Board Members, Parents, Students, Alumnae, Benefactors of St. Joseph Hill Academy and the Staten Island Community,
During these octave days of Easter and the promise of Resurrection we remember our Holy Father, Pope Francis in prayer for the repose of his soul. This period of reflection and prayer is a profound opportunity to honor the legacy of Pope Francis and to reinforce the foundation of our rich Church history for our families before the beginning of the conclave of Cardinals who will deliberate and elect the next successor of St. Peter.
Sister Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools, for the Archdiocese of New York has announced that for the next five school days, students across New York will offer their prayers for the repose of Pope Francis's soul, beginning April 28th and continuing through May 2nd.
As Provincial Superior of the Daughters of Divine Charity and President of St. Joseph Hill Academy I too wish to encourage all of us to be united in this special week of prayer for Pope Francis both in school and at home. These are teachable moments allowing us to impart to our students the significance of our Holy Father’s death and this events that will be follow in the election process of a new Pontiff. Pope Francis truly was a living example, the servant of the faithful and the poor who demonstrated this by his determination to be involved in the Holy Week Services and to be among God’s people on Easter Sunday, rejoicing and acclaiming that the “Lord is truly Risen”. Jesus, called Pope Francis home to his eternal reward on Emmaus Monday completing his earthly journey. Even in death, Pope Francis continues to give us an example of simplicity and love. His final resting place, that of the Basilica of St. Mary Major illustrates his deep devotion to our Blessed Mother and his trust in her ever-guiding hand and love throughout his papacy. Prayer was central to his life as he began his papacy stepping on to the platform greeting the people and asking them to pray for him and in turn he would be praying for them. We too must take the time now to pray for the repose of his soul.
Let us be joined together in faith through prayer and example as we continue the celebration of the Easter Season, leading us to the Ascension of the Lord and Pentecost during this Jubilee Year as Pilgrims of Hope. This time of unity and reflection is a testament to our shared beliefs and commitment to the spiritual heritage that guides us as Catholics and draws us ever closer to Jesus especially as we the Daughters of Divine Charity will celebrate the 150th anniversary of our reconsecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on July 27th 2025.
May our prayers and actions be filled with joy, hope and strength as we remember the life and legacy of Pope Francis and pray for the Cardinals entrusted to the election of our new Pontiff.
With love, prayers and gratitude,
Sister Mary Coffelt, F.D.C.