Verbal AND Visual

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After writing blogs for just over a year I asked myself, why am I writing blogs? It isn't necessarily a gift of mine, and I know so many folks who are better at writing—even more grammatically correct—than myself! Why can't I also share my creative designs instead of only written reflections? Then I remembered, it's MY blog! I can make up the rules as I go for the content I create. From now on I will be sharing reflections and design tips IN ADDITION to sharing some fun personal faith-based designs I've created.

What was the influencing decision on this? Me sitting down after watching the moving ceremonial announcement of POPE Leo XIV (Habemus Papam!) and thinking, Oh geeze, now I should probably write a reflection about this experience...

I will say that it was an incredible experience to virtually witness LIVE the white smoke, and welcoming our 267th Holy Father with millions around the world—thanks to social media and live streaming. If you didn't have a chance to watch any coverage on it, I would strongly suggest it! What a truly beautiful witness to the Church coming together to reveal the new Successor of Peter.

I don't know if this was intentional or not, but what I found fascinating in the photo of Pope Leo XIV by Guglielmo Mangiapane-Reuters was the reflection of all those gathered in St. Peter's Square in his glasses. He held the Church in his gaze, present on the evening of May 8, 2025 and addressed everyone saying, "Peace be with you." You could also see in his eyes the overwhelming mixture of joy, sadness, relief, exhaustion, fear, and love for what was happening and what was to come for the rest of his life. In his eyes was reflected the Church—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Let us continue to pray for Pope Leo XIV, that God may be ever present to him throughout his papacy and grant him the wisdom to govern the Church. May he have the courage to do what he ought in his trials, the strength to carry the light amidst the darkness, and humility to serve as the next bishop of Rome.

St. Leo, pray for us!

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