Introducing Pope Leo XIV: A New Chapter for the Church

Introducing Pope Leo XIV:

A New Chapter for the Church

With great joy, our collaborative parishes are united with the whole Church in 

welcoming Pope Leo XIV, the 268th successor of St. Peter—and the first pope born in the United States! A professed religious in the Order of St. Augustine and a missionary at heart, Pope Leo has spent decades serving in communities marked by both poverty and faith, isolation and deep belonging. His witness is one of simplicity, compassion, and a deep love for the people of God.

 

As we hear the secular media’s perspective on Pope Leo and the papacy, it is important to remember our spiritual understanding as well. The ministry of the pope is not about power or prestige; it is a humble service of unity. The title Pontiff means “bridge-builder” (a phrase Pope Leo used multiple times in his first public address), and that is exactly what he is called to be: a bridge between peoples, cultures, and generations—a visible sign of the Church’s unity in Christ. As Bishop of Rome, he carries the responsibility to preserve the bond of communion that makes us one Body across the whole earth.

 

This spirit of unity is something we are joyfully embracing in our own collaborative parishes. Today I am also happy to formally announce that on Sunday, June 22, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, we will celebrate our faith with our next PWC Collaborative Eucharistic Procession. Building on the enthusiasm and reverence of last fall’s individual processions at both of our churches, this time we will celebrate the unity the Eucharist brings and strengthens among our parishioners and beyond. Together we will step out into the public square, thanks to permission granted by the Town of Wrentham. This year’s procession will begin at St. Mary church, process prayerfully with the Blessed Sacrament to the Wrentham Town Common, and then return for solemn Benediction—followed by a shared meal, with food generously provided by Café Assisi.

 

This public act of love and adoration is a witness to what unites us: the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, who walks with us and strengthens us as pilgrims of hope. In order to symbolize that unity more fully, we encourage everyone from both parishes to come together for the 9:30am Mass that Sunday, June 22^nd, at St. Mary, followed immediately by the Eucharistic Procession. Therefore, for both spiritual and practical reasons, we will have an 8:00am Mass at St. Martha and the 9:30am at St. Mary - both the 10am and Noon Masses will be merged into the 9:30 Mass for June 22 only. Please plan accordingly as you make plans for that weekend. This allows us to pool our resources, ministers, and music and provide the best quality Mass and procession possible in worship of the Lord on this feast of the Eucharist. (The Saturday Masses will happen as usual that weekend. Watch for more details in the coming weeks.)

 

Over the years (eleven so far!) that I have been a part of these parishes of St. Mary & St. Martha, I have been amazed and touched by the openness of the people of both parishes to sharing in this journey together, helping each other to strengthen both parishes while progressing in our appreciation of belonging to something bigger than ourselves. This is not always easy, but praying and serving together, we belong to Christ and to the Church that is truly “catholic,” that is, universal.

 

As we journey through the Jubilee Year 2025, we enter a new chapter—not only for the global Church, but also for our parishes. May the leadership of Pope Leo XIV, rooted in missionary love and pastoral humility, inspire us to deepen our unity in Christ, proclaim the Gospel with joy, and walk together in hope.