CRANBOURNE’S Catholic secondary school – St Peter’s College – had plenty of reason to celebrate last Wednesday.
Not only were staff and students celebrating the announcement of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as the new pope, but also the name he chose, Pope Francis, as it has a strong connection with the school.
St Francis of Assisi was one of the chosen patrons for the school’s houses, with one being known as Assisi House, led by teacher Roger Hampson.
Students and teachers involved with Assisi House held an impromptu liturgy before class on Wednesday to celebrate the announcement of the new pope and that he had taken the name Pope Francis from St Francis of Assisi.
Mr Hampson asked his students to celebrate the occasion and take a moment to consider the synergy between their house and lives and the path chosen by the new pope.
“Continue to be knights of peace and to carry the message of St Francis of Assisi to ‘preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words’,” he said.
“When Pope Francis appeared on the balcony for the first time, I was struck by the simple dress he had chosen to wear, and the immediate link that had to me with St Francis of Assisi choice to give up his worldly goods, including his clothes to live his life dedicated to God.”
St Peter’s College principal Tim Hogan said it was great news for the Catholic community to have a new pope and a new leader.
“It is the first time that the pope has come from the New World – South America, and with World Youth Day 2013 being held later this year in South America it will a wonderful celebration for the region and young Catholics from around the world,” he said.
“It struck me, the humbleness of why St Francis of Assisi was chosen, he was a simple man, loved the world over.
“A great role model and example of what people are looking for from the leader of the Catholic Church.
“We can have high hopes for the future, for Catholics all over the world.”
