“A few dates fondly remembered”

“A few dates fondly remembered”

April 19th 2005

Our German Shepherd, the 265th

Emerged upon St Peter’s central balcony,

A blessing for the whole world,

A devout soul, he spoke quietly of his own simplicity,

A humble, gentle worker from within the Lord’s vineyard,

Possessing an immense talent of intellect,

imploring the joy of the risen Christ,

With Mary, the Mother of God by his side,

I remember he said with a great smile, “Thank you!”

February 11th, 2013

The feast of our Lady of Lourdes

A shock announcement,

Words written in perfect Latin

A painful admission of health concerns

Leading to retirement

He enters life anew as a simple pilgrim

embracing his final prayerful journey

I remember he said sincerely “Please pardon my defects”

December 30th 2022

Pope Francis spoke quietly

Dear Benedict is quite poorly

Sustaining the church in silence

In receipt of the sacraments of healing,

Sacredly, tenderly anointed

Serene, lucid, aware of time’s ultimatum of finality

I remember he said “Please, pray for me”

December 31st 2022, 9 34 am

Our beloved Pope emeritus Benedict died

He wrote of a long life, of good cheer

Of Christ the just judge, the friend, the brother

The advocate who brings the confidence

to pass safely through the dark door of death

We prayed throughout the world

That he would walk into the great light of Christ’s greeting

I remember he said ““Jesus, ich liebe dich!” Jesus, I love you!

Fr Patrick Brennan 2023 ©

“Quite soon, I shall find myself before the final judge of my life.

In this regard, I am constantly reminded of what John tells us at the beginning of the Apocalypse: he sees the Son of Man in all his grandeur and falls at his feet as though dead. Yet He, placing his right hand on him, says to him: ‘Do not be afraid! It is I…’ (cf. Rev 1:12-17)

Pope Emeritus Benedict XV1

I have written this today remembering with great love and affection Pope Benedict who has died. May the choirs of angels greet him! It is called “A few dates fondly remembered” A few simple words were uttered by Pope Benedict at the end of each date, to console and encourage, these words form the ending of each verse. His short papacy encouraged so many to a deeper faith, he does not demand blind devotion, but he deserved profound respect. Even though there is much to heal in church life and history, the glory of God is revealed in seeking to cooperate with his grace and imperfect as we all are, the good is celebrated, the sacred is celebrated too. May Pope Benedict, rest in eternal peace.