Today we mourn the passing of our Holy Father. Whilst our hearts are heavy, they are also full of gratitude for the life he lived and the love he showed in the service of Christ.   

Pope Francis’ death is significant for the Sisters of Compassion as we have lost a friend who knew a little about us as – a small Religious Congregation at the ends of the earth. We are grateful to Cardinal John Dew, Ngahiwi and Mere Tomoana (Ngati Kahungunu Iwi), Anglican Archbishop Sir David and Lady Tureiti Moxon, and many others who all had personal meetings with Pope Francis and shared their knowledge about Meri Hōhepa Suzanne Aubert and the hope for Aotearoa New Zealand to have a recognised saint by the Catholic Church.  

Personally, I was privileged to meet Pope Francis while in Rome attending the Plenary Sessions for the International Union of Superior Generals. Each time I felt his warmth and genuine interest in Aotearoa New Zealand. He enabled me to take an extra moment to remind him of our request to canonize Meri Hōhepa Suzanne Aubert. I took the opportunity to show him the picture of Meri Hōhepa Suzanne Aubert. His recognition was instant, and then he would tap the picture and say “Ah, yes.” Then he would look me in the eye and say, “Pray for me.” 

You are warmly invited to a Mass of Remembrance and Thanksgiving for the life of Pope Francis at 8.30 am on Wednesday 23 April at the Chapel of our Lady of Compassion.