April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
REACTIONS

Local response to Francis

Catholics in the Albany Diocese have been responding to the election of Pope Francis with surprise, joy and hope. Many are celebrating his Latin American heritage and his name choice, calling the latter a signal of dedication to the poor and vulnerable, interfaith dialogue and back-to-basics living of the Gospel. Others are impressed by some of his first actions as pontiff. Here's a sampling of reactions:

•  "We feel that this pope will certainly bring something that's needed in our Church. He's a very pastoral man, and we feel he's the right person at the right time. I was surprised, but I didn't have anyone in mind because I think it's the work of the Holy Spirit. Since many of the world's Catholics come from [South America], it's an important recognition of their value in the Church." - Mother M. Mark Louis Randall, O.Carm, superior general, Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm, Germantown

•  "I sort of had that feeling that it would be someone other than a European. I knew a North American didn't have a chance, but I sort of felt it would be someone from South America. If he does make changes, I know they're going to be for the better, [like dealing with perpetrators of sexual abuse]. That's something that hangs over our head." - Jean Marks, secular Franciscan and parishioner, Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Americas, Albany

•  "For seminarians, priests and religious, the waiting for a pope is kind of like a parent waiting for a new child. We had an idea of who it could be. It was a shock and surprise to see who it was. [Since there's never been a Pope Francis before,] he's almost setting a trailblazing path in what will be his own work. I think he'll really champion for the treatment of individuals, born or unborn. He'll support the people for who they are and he'll support them for the equal treatment they deserve, but at the same time he'll keep holy the sacraments within the Church." - Michael Dessingue, a parishioner of St. Paul's in Schenectady studying for the priesthood for the Albany Diocese

•  "I was surprised. I thought popes were more of Italian descent. It just goes to show that [nationality] doesn't really matter. I think that it's special to be able to have this happen in my lifetime." - Gianna Quatrini, eighth-grader, St. Mary's Institute, Amsterdam, where students chose Italy and the Vatican as the topic for their learning fair weeks before Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's resignation. Students were amused that Cardinal Bergoglio's name sounds like their principal's name, Giovanni Virgiglio. They asked if Pope Francis, in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, would adopt a pet.

•  "The parishioners are pretty elated [about the name choice]. St. Francis, because of [St.] Clare's influence, really espoused poverty. And Francis' first love was to proclaim the Gospel through simplicity. Cardinal Bergoglio was on my short list. It's like a breath of fresh air." - Rev. Neil Draves-Arpaia, administrator, St. Francis of Assisi parish, Northville, and St. Joseph's, Broadalbin

•  The name choice "is phenomenal. I'm hoping it means a great respect for the poor and what they have to teach us [and] a real desire to simplify our regal lifestyle, certainly throughout the developed world. I'm hoping he can bring that balance back into the conversation, and a recommitment to genuine interfaith dialogue. I do hope that we can reengage a dialogue with the young." - Rev. Christopher DeGiovine, dean of spiritual life, The College of Saint Rose, Albany

•  "It's the [pope] we're supposed to have, and it's exciting. He seems to be a humble and lovely man. The name Francis [reflects] a genuine spirituality. [But] I don't care what name he takes. There's a psalm that says, 'I don't bother myself with things that are too profound for me.'" - Kathryn Kline, parish secretary, St. Joseph's, Dolgeville

•  "The Holy Spirit must have guided [the cardinal electors] because they picked him awfully quick. I think the new Holy Father is going to be very good for us. He doesn't want all this pomp and ceremony. I hope [he opposes same-sex marriage]. I hope they straighten things out and lay the [sexual abuse] scandal to rest." - Theresa Demarest, parishioner, Sacred Heart/Immaculate Conception parish, Haines Falls

•  "I am hopeful that this will be a new, better era for the Church. It has been very tough to be a Catholic and a priest the past 13 years, in particular with the fallout of the clerical sex abuse crisis [and] because of [parish] closings, then the global difficulties. I fervently pray that Pope Francis will usher in a great reawakening of faith and a substantial renewal in the Church by his seemingly gentle, humble and holy witness in terms of authentic Gospel living and care for the poor and disenfranchised. The Church really needs to be revitalized...and someone such as Pope Francis will hopefully be the man to do this, thanks in no small part to his origin in Argentina/Latin America, and how his formation as a Jesuit and by extension as a teacher, pastor and bishop will inform and inspire his papacy." - Rev. Tony Childs, pastor, St. Michael the Archangel parish, South Glens Falls

•  "The election of the Argentinian cardinal is spectacular, sensational, Spirit-filled and Spirit-giving to all the world. His first gesture was to bow before the people of the world and beg for prayer. Imagine, one voice quieted more than 150,000 cheering people from all over the world. Only when he prayed did he [wear] the papal stole. This shall be a papacy of service, not of authority. Pope Francis will resize the Church in the modern world without compromising the essence of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A man who rides the bus and speaks the street language of the poor is a symbol of the larger Church." - Rev. John Rosson, pastor, St. Mary's, Cooperstown

•  "Being from South America, I would expect he will bring a new perspective to his ministry. He has been very involved with his people in a very pastoral way. I would hope this pastoral approach would continue. If he is in reasonably good health, [his age] shouldn't be a problem. I think [the name Francis] sends a message about who he is and what his priorities are. From what I have heard, he will be an effective leader who will face the problems the Church has and deal with them. My dream for the Church is that it will become more united, expand further the role of women, continue to advocate for the poor and renew/strengthen the spiritual life of its members." - Sister Nola Brunner, CSJ, diocesan vicar for religious and archivist

•  "Pope Francis seemed to be a surprising choice in many ways, yet perhaps not. May this surprise election signal the unknown nature of the Holy Spirit alive in our world. I am particularly interested in his choice of the name 'Francis.' Set against a Jesuit background, which would mean not seeking higher office in the Church, the pope has taken the name of a man who did not seek ordination, power or prestige. If Pope Francis' first public acts and his first homily reveal anything, I think that he will be very much of this way of life. And that gives me reason for hope!" - Fran Rossi Szpylczyn, blogger and office manager, Immaculate Conception parish, Glenville

•  "In his own journey of faith, Pope Francis has been deeply influenced by Ss. Francis of Assisi and Ignatius of Loyola. At the outset of his ministry, Francis of Assisi heard Jesus say to him: 'Go, rebuild my Church!' Ignatius often exhorted his brothers: 'Go, set the world on fire!' My dream is that Pope Francis will lead us into a time of renewal so that we can set the world ablaze with the good news of Jesus' boundless love for everyone." - David Amico, director, diocesan Office of Lay Ministry Formation and administrator, Diocesan Pastoral Council

(Angela Cave, staff writer, and Kate Blain, editor, compiled these comments.)[[In-content Ad]]

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