TO ALL THE RELIGIOUS OF THE ORDER THE GRACE AND PEACE OF GOD OUR FATHER
“Simon, I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have returned, strengthen your brothers” (Lk 22:32).
Dear brothers:
As you all know, this morning, Monday of the first week of Easter, Pope Francis passed away. With the whole Church, our Order of the Pious Schools raises to God, in this Easter season, a prayer of thanksgiving for the life, witness, example and teachings of Pope Francis. And with all men and women of good will, we renew our commitment to make possible a world of fraternity.
Perhaps the word that best expresses what we now feel is THANK YOU. Thanks to God, our Father, for the gift of Pope Francis. In addition, thanks to the Pope for a lifetime of love for Jesus Christ, the Church and humanity.
The Pope has taught us to better understand the Lord’s message. We understand with faith and hope why the Lord called the poor, the pure of heart, the merciful, those who strive for peace, the meek, those who mourn, those who are persecuted, those who hunger and thirst for justice… Francis has taught us to understand and live the beatitudes. Thank you, Pope Francis!
We thank the Pope for his closeness and love for our Order, and for the many initiatives and proposals that have helped us in the promotion of our mission and in the living out of our charism. I would like to recall at this moment the last words he addressed to us, which inspire us and demand of us: “Do not be afraid to venture on different paths from those already travelled in the past in order to respond to the needs of the poor, even at the cost of revising schemes and re-dimensioning expectations. It is in this confident abandonment that your roots lie, and by remaining faithful to them, you will keep your charism alive“1
According to the provisions of our legislation (Rule 97), I invite all Piarist communities to concelebrate a Eucharist for the eternal repose of Pope Francis. Let us also pray for our Church and for the person, whom we do not yet know, who will soon be sent to us as father and pastor
I send you my fraternal regards and best wishes for the Easter season.
Fr. Alex Djoussé Sch.P. Fr. Pedro Aguado Sch.P.
General Secretary Father General
Rome, 21 April 2025, on the celebration of the Lord’s Passover
