I admit it freely. This Mennonite lady is a serious fan of Pope Francis.
Regardless of one's personal beliefs, his visit to our area has been a gift. Road closures and wall-to-wall media coverage are an easy trade for the kind of benevolent prodding, arresting compassion and general goodwill that man carried with him in his sporty little Fiat.
Even from the vantage point of my couch, thousands of people sharing communion on the Philadelphia parkway was one of the most beautiful things I have ever observed. I sat spellbound with a cat on my lap and just let those unchecked tears fall. It gave me a glimpse of heaven.
I love the gentle way this man of God turns the world on its ear, honoring the disenfranchised and reminding those in our society who are blessed (with more than they could ever honestly need) to not just remember, but respect those who have no voice. How humbling and inspiring to see the words of Jesus in action.
In his parting words, Pope Francis asks that we all remember to pray for him. "Don't forget," he says, with a little twinkle in his eye. No worries, Holy Father. You just keep doing what you're doing. We've got your back.
