Dear Members of the St. Mary’s University Community,
With profound sorrow, we join the global Catholic community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, who returned to the Father’s house on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. As the 266th successor of St. Peter, Pope Francis will be remembered for his unwavering compassion, his commitment to unity, and his tireless call to extend God’s mercy to all. His papal motto, “Miserando atque eligendo”—”Having mercy, He called him”—reflected the very heart of his papacy.
At St. Mary’s University, we are committed to carrying forward the Holy Father’s teachings. His call to live the Gospel through service, humility, and love will remain a guiding light for our university. May we continue to heed his exhortation to “[put our] talents at the service of the Gospel, with creativity and boundless charity.”
We invite all members of our community to join in prayer for the repose of his soul and in thanksgiving for the life and legacy of a shepherd who truly walked with his flock:
A Psalm of thanksgiving (Psalm 100:1-5)
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.
Serve the Lord with gladness;
come into his presence with singing.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him; bless his name.
For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever
and his faithfulness to all generations.
Amen.