It has been quite the exciting time to be a Chicagoan. We have so many things to be proud of with where we live: our beautiful skyline, impeccable cuisine—yes, we mean Italian beef—an excellent community. And now we are blessed with being the hometown of our new pope!
St. Mary’s Home was abuzz with anticipation all of May 8th, after white smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. Walking down the halls of our Home, you could hear from Staff computers and Resident TVs the livestream from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. Everyone was wondering who the next pope would be. After the announcement of the new pope, St. Mary’s Home came to life! Celebratory bells rang, and “Sweet Home Chicago” played loud and proud on our loudspeaker system! Best of all, Residents and staff were surprised with a root beer float party! Sisters broke out the fancy ice cream glasses and handed out deliciously sweet treats to anyone who wanted one.
A special thing to note about Pope Leo XIV and his relationship to Chicago is that he went to school at Catholic Theological Union, a graduate school of theology in Chicago. Amazingly enough, one of his professors was none other than one of our current Residents, Fr. Gilbert “Gil” Ostdiek! At the party, Fr. Gil gave a short and sweet speech wishing him the best of luck, adding: “I hope I taught him well!”
We are praying for you, Pope Leo. May St. Joseph, Protector of the Universal Church intercede for you and guide you in all your decisions.
