Pope Francis I, Our Lady of Guadalupe, a new death, remembering a death

So yesterday I (obviously!) posted a very, very, VERY long rant/ramblings/spewing thoughts -- it was something that I was a bit scared to actually hit the "publish" button because I realize that this can be read by anyone in the entire world at any time.  However it really is beneficial for me to just let everything out sometimes, and it was the right choice because I FINALLY slept for just over eight hours last night and have been rested and relaxed all day!

Alright, four topics in the title to cover: day before yesterday a close relative passed away, but she had been ill for what felt like a long time and she was ready to move on.  God gave her a bit of extra time and so more family were able to visit which was a blessing...

Yesterday, December 12th was a Feast Day for several people I know/knew -- it was also the official Catholic Feast Day for Our Lady of Guadalupe. There are many images, many websites, many different ways to find her if you search -- but you are here so I want to send you to two links, if you have the time. First, from the Vatican Radio Pope Francis sent a message to the Americas. (If you do a quick g.oo.gle search you can watch the video of the Holy Father speaking -- but this site has it translated into English and typed out so it is likely to be more convenient for most). Second, a new find for me (yes, I am apparently MUCH more lazy than I think) - from catholicculture.org they have daily readings, activities, etc and the link to the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe is wonderful (also short and to the point in case you are not very faithful). The image below I have lovingly borrowed from them, so you are already familiar with an aspect of the page...

Three sentences taken from their page which summarize her story: "She appeared to an Indian convert named Juan Diego on December 9, 1531. She left a marvelous portrait of herself on the mantle of Juan Diego. This miraculous image has proved to be ageless, and is kept in the shrine built in her honor, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe."

Time Magazine picked their person of the year and I am thrilled to share that it is Pope Francis I -- (you can read my post when he was chosen to become the new Pope if you would like)!  He has done so much for Catholics but also importantly he reminds me of Jesus, really reaching out to all people, everywhere.  He is a role model I can only aspire to reach a level of his authenticity.

Also, finally, today, December 13th... It has been eighteen years since we lost "Aba" and she too was blessed to join God and leave her earthly struggles behind.  I posted about losing my grandpa exactly eighteen years ago earlier this year... This time I remember the day, the exact hour, the exact minute when Aba took her last breath at home, surrounded by so many of us.

That is all for today -- between yesterday and today I have shared so much. If you did not read yesterday's post please try to get through some of it and leave me your opinion/views/similar stories/something.  I feel quite worn out today.  Mostly in a good way, but a bit wary that I blurted out so much.

New Pope!

Today the Catholic Church once again has a Pope! The conclave finished voting (see image of white smoke below; white smoke is a confirmation of more than two-thirds majority whereas the previous votes went up in black smoke to indicate that we were still without a spiritual leader here on Earth)

After Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio became Pope (he will never again be addressed as such, only addressed by his new name -- for those who are not aware every new Pope chooses their name and his is significant!).... Here is an image from the first public appearance of Pope Francis I

 (Sorry, am not positive who the two individuals standing behind him are)

Found this online as well and while a fake baseball card is amusing it also is a cute "cheat sheet" of facts about the new Pope! Two of the most important facts are that he is the first Pope from South America and that he is also the first Jesuit (the Jesuit priests are a particular order) Pope! Two wonderful firsts! Have to wait and see how his life as Pope will play out -- however he has an amazingly down-to-earth manner apparently. Some examples repeated often about this former cardinal is that he cooked some of his own meals, chose to live in a small and simple location instead of the lavish/larger options, and HE TOOK PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION REGULARLY TO VISIT "BAD" AREAS OF TOWNS TO HELP HOW AND WHERE HE COULD.  Safe, blessed, what an example of living life simply -- hence "Francis" is the perfect (and first time ever chosen) new name of our Pope.

Prayers, positive hopes, and ::HUGS:: to all