VATICAN CITY (Catholic Online)- On Wednesday, March 13, 2013, a surprise of the Spirit stepped forward on that balcony in St. Peters Square and took the name of Francis, in honor of the little poor man of Assisi.  The events of the day which followed only further demonstrated the mettle of the man who is our 266th Pope, the successor of the Apostle Peter. They also showed the appropriateness of the name which he selected.

What a treasure Pope Francis has already become in an age filled with self idolatry and politically twisted grandiosity among worldly leaders. He speaks simplicity with both his words and actions. For example, he could have ridden in the Vatican motorcade. There was a beautiful car awaiting him with a license plate from Vatican State - over which he now holds governing authority. It read "Stato Vaticano 1".

After all, some would say, such a car and a motorcade are meant to assure his safety and guarantee his punctual arrival at the next appointment. Those of us in the United States remember that just over one week ago the President of the United States rode in a twenty car motorcade to a Washington DC restaurant just down the street. He dined with two Republican senators and reminded them, as he often does all of us, of his concern for the poor. 

Instead, the Pope named Francis chose to ride in a small bus back to his lodgings where he had stayed with his brother bishops during the conclave which elected him to be the successor of the Apostle Peter. The next morning he packed his own luggage, checked himself out - and paid his own bill.  How very, very refreshing. Simplicity is countercultural in these days of arrogance and grandiosity.

The First thing Pope Francis did on Thursday morning was to make a visit to St Mary Major and pray for all of Rome. He told us all he was going to do so on that historic Wednesday night, after he asked us to pray over him while he bowed in sincere humility on the balcony overlooking St Peter's square. He grabbed the microphone, veering from the protocol, after those assisting him thought he was finished. He told us:  

"Brothers and sisters, I leave you now. Thank you for your welcome. Pray for me and until we meet again. We will see each other soon. Tomorrow I wish to go and pray to Our Lady, that she may watch over all of Rome. Good night and sleep well!"

Of course, that promised visit to St Mary Major followed his cherished time of personal prayer. Reports from friends are that Francis spends two hours every morning in personal prayer. He does not make much of it - just as he does not make much of most things that he doeswithout calling attention to himself.

Things, such as choosing not to live in the residence designed for the bishop in Buenos Aires. Instead, living in a small apartment with an elderly priest where he takes delight in cooking the daily meals. Or, washing the feet of the sick and dying.

At that beautiful Church, Pope Francis placed flowers for the Virgin on the altar. He prayed in silence for a half an hour. He dedicated himself, the pontificate which has been entrusted to him and the whole Church, to Mary, the Mother of the Lord. Like many holy men and women from the earliest days of Christianity, he sees in the Mother of the Lord the model for all disciples. She is the woman whose humble "Yes" brought heaven to earth and earth to heaven.

His first homily on Thursday, at the Mass, celebrated in the Sistine Chapel with his brother Bishops, also reflected the spirit of this simple Pope. The Vatican Press Office provided a translation. It was extemporaneously delivered and came from the heart of the man whom the Lord will use in the months and years entrusted to him to rebuild His Church - so that she can evangelize the world of the Third Millennium which cries out for God's Mercy. 

After you read this homily, I am sure you will agree with this deacon, we have been given another treasure from heaven. After the gifts of Blessed john Paul and His Holiness Benedict XVI, the Lord Jesus has shown his love for all of His Church - and His continuing merciful plan for the whole world. The power of the words in this homily are found in their evangelical simplicity, just like the one who delivered them.

Please, take the time to read his words, pray for him, pray for the Church, and rejoice:

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First Homily of Pope Francis

In these three readings(Isaiah 2:2-5, 1 Peter 2:4-9, Matthew 16:13-19) I see that there is something in common: it is movement. In the first reading, movement is the journey [itself]; in the second reading, movement is in the up-building of the Church. In the third, in the Gospel, the movement is in [the act of] profession: walking, building, professing.

Walking:  the House of Jacob. "O house of Jacob, Come, let us ...