Remembering His Life, Legacy, and Impact on Our Seminary Community
On March 13, 2013, the world turned its eyes to Saint Peter’s Basilica as white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney. The bells of Rome rang out as thousands gathered in a rain-soaked Saint Peter’s Square to witness history.
Pope Francis’ pontificate, which began in humility and silence, would go on to shape the Church with that same spirit — with a pastor’s heart, a missionary’s urgency, and a father’s warmth. Serving as pope for over twelve years until his passing in 2025, Pope Francis shepherded the Church through times of challenge and change, always emphasizing mercy, accompaniment, and the dignity of every human life.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis continually called priests to be “shepherds who smell like their sheep,” urging them to go to the peripheries and meet people where they are. He spoke of a Church that is poor and for the poor. He reminded the faithful that the Christian life is not one of comfort or complacency, but of radical discipleship rooted in joy, service, and love.
A Personal Encounter in the Rain
Monsignor Stephen E. Salocks ’80, Rector of Saint John’s Seminary, recalls that rainy evening in Rome as one of the most vivid memories of his life:
“It had been raining all day, and after hours in Saint Peter’s Square I almost left — until I heard the bells. The square filled as the new pope, Francis, came out. Incredibly, the rain stopped. When he asked us to pray with him, thousands became silent. It was a moment of profound unity. He was soft-spoken, but deeply pastoral. I never met him personally, but he preached mercy, charity, and justice not only to Catholics, but to the world.”
Monsignor Salocks’s reflection captures the essence of Pope Francis: a quiet strength and a deep concern for humanity, especially the marginalized. His vision of priesthood called seminarians and clergy to remember their identity as servants of Christ and of the people.
A Spirituality of Adoration and Service
Fr. Joseph Briody, a faculty member at Saint John’s, spoke of Pope Francis’ ability to communicate eternal truths in fresh, striking ways:
“He reminded us again and again that the Christian life is one of adoration and service. That’s the heart of the diocesan priesthood — eucharistic prayer flowing into generous ministry. Pope Francis proclaimed Christ Crucified and Risen, stressed the centrality of the Eucharist, and called us to love with tenderness and courage.”
Fr. Briody highlights the spiritual depth that marked Pope Francis’ teaching. His encyclicals — especially Dilexit nos (2024) on the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Desiderio desideravi (2022) on liturgical formation — continue to shape the theological formation of our seminarians.
Washington D.C., 2015: A Moment of Grace
For Ellen T. Oesterle, M.A.M. 2009, the 2015 papal visit to Washington, D.C. became a defining moment of her faith journey:
“I remember arriving in the dark hours before dawn, surprised by the thousands who had already gathered peacefully. As Pope Francis appeared on the West Front Lawn, there was a hush — a silence that wasn’t empty, but full. It felt like a yearning for peace only God can give. He reminded us that heaven’s reach begins with listening, with the ‘apostolate of the ear.’”
Her experience reminds us that Pope Francis was not merely a figure on a balcony or a voice on a microphone. He became a visible sign of Christ’s love — especially for those who hungered for truth, belonging, and hope.
A Seminary Shaped by His Example
Those among our seminarians, faculty, and staff who had the blessing of meeting Pope Francis in-person experienced his warmth, wisdom, and Christ-like love. He touched them deeply, inspiring their vocations and strengthening their resolve to serve the Church with humility and joy. His legacy is already embedded in the spiritual DNA of the next generation of priests.
As we remember him now — with grief, gratitude, and hope — we also look forward:
“Yet, even amid our grief, we are filled with great hope — hope in the mercy of God for the repose of Pope Francis’ soul and hope that the Holy Spirit will guide the College of Cardinals in electing a new pope. In this pivotal moment for the Church — when strong, authentic, and joyful Catholic leadership is needed more than ever — we trust in God’s providence to raise up a shepherd who will lead with faith, courage and compassion.” - Ellen T. Oesterle
May the soul of Pope Francis, servant of the servants of God, rest in peace. May his witness of love, humility, and pastoral care continue to echo in the hearts of those he inspired — especially here, at Saint John’s Seminary.
© 2025 All Rights Reserved
Site by 