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Remembering our Holy Father Pope Francis
Dear Administrators, Faculty, Staff, Board Members, Parents, Students, Alumnae, Benefactors of St. Joseph Hill Academy and the Staten Island Community,
During these octave days of Easter and the promise of Resurrection we remember our Holy Father, Pope Francis in prayer for the repose of his soul. This period of reflection and prayer is a profound opportunity to honor the legacy of Pope Francis and to reinforce the foundation of our rich Church history for our families before the beginning of the conclave of Cardinals who will deliberate and elect the next successor of St. Peter.
Sister Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools, for the Archdiocese of New York has announced that for the next five school days, students across New York will offer their prayers for the repose of Pope Francis's soul, beginning April 28th and continuing through May 2nd.
As Provincial Superior of the Daughters of Divine Charity and President of St. Joseph Hill Academy I too wish to encourage all of us to be united in this special week of prayer for Pope Francis both in school and at home. These are teachable moments allowing us to impart to our students the significance of our Holy Father’s death and the this events that will be follow in the election process of a new Pontiff. Pope Francis truly was a living example, the servant of the faithful and the poor who demonstrated this by his determination to be involved in the Holy Week Services and to be among God’s people on Easter Sunday, rejoicing and acclaiming that the “Lord is truly Risen”. Jesus, called Pope Francis home to his eternal reward on Emmaus Monday completing his earthly journey. Even in death, Pope Francis continues to give us an example of simplicity and love. His final resting place, that of the Basilica of St. Mary Major illustrates his deep devotion to our Blessed Mother and his trust in her ever-guiding hand and love throughout his papacy. Prayer was central to his life as he began his papacy stepping on to the platform greeting the people and asking them to pray for him and in turn he would be praying for them. We too must take the time now to pray for the repose of his soul.
Let us be joined together in faith through prayer and example as we continue the celebration of the Easter Season, leading us to the Ascension of the Lord and Pentecost during this Jubilee Year as Pilgrims of Hope. This time of unity and reflection is a testament to our shared beliefs and commitment to the spiritual heritage that guides us as Catholics and draws us ever closer to Jesus especially as we the Daughters of Divine Charity will celebrate the 150th anniversary of our reconsecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on July 27th 2025.
May our prayers and actions be filled with joy, hope and strength as we remember the life and legacy of Pope Francis and pray for the Cardinals entrusted to the election of our new Pontiff.
With love, prayers and gratitude,
Sister Mary Coffelt, F.D.C.
Remembering our Holy Father Pope Francis
Dear Administrators, Faculty, Staff, Board Members, Parents, Students, Alumnae, Benefactors of St. Joseph Hill Academy and the Staten Island Community,
During these octave days of Easter and the promise of Resurrection we remember our Holy Father, Pope Francis in prayer for the repose of his soul. This period of reflection and prayer is a profound opportunity to honor the legacy of Pope Francis and to reinforce the foundation of our rich Church history for our families before the beginning of the conclave of Cardinals who will deliberate and elect the next successor of St. Peter.
Sister Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools, for the Archdiocese of New York has announced that for the next five school days, students across New York will offer their prayers for the repose of Pope Francis's soul, beginning April 28th and continuing through May 2nd.
As Provincial Superior of the Daughters of Divine Charity and President of St. Joseph Hill Academy I too wish to encourage all of us to be united in this special week of prayer for Pope Francis both in school and at home. These are teachable moments allowing us to impart to our students the significance of our Holy Father’s death and the this events that will be follow in the election process of a new Pontiff. Pope Francis truly was a living example, the servant of the faithful and the poor who demonstrated this by his determination to be involved in the Holy Week Services and to be among God’s people on Easter Sunday, rejoicing and acclaiming that the “Lord is truly Risen”. Jesus, called Pope Francis home to his eternal reward on Emmaus Monday completing his earthly journey. Even in death, Pope Francis continues to give us an example of simplicity and love. His final resting place, that of the Basilica of St. Mary Major illustrates his deep devotion to our Blessed Mother and his trust in her ever-guiding hand and love throughout his papacy. Prayer was central to his life as he began his papacy stepping on to the platform greeting the people and asking them to pray for him and in turn he would be praying for them. We too must take the time now to pray for the repose of his soul.
Let us be joined together in faith through prayer and example as we continue the celebration of the Easter Season, leading us to the Ascension of the Lord and Pentecost during this Jubilee Year as Pilgrims of Hope. This time of unity and reflection is a testament to our shared beliefs and commitment to the spiritual heritage that guides us as Catholics and draws us ever closer to Jesus especially as we the Daughters of Divine Charity will celebrate the 150th anniversary of our reconsecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on July 27th 2025.
May our prayers and actions be filled with joy, hope and strength as we remember the life and legacy of Pope Francis and pray for the Cardinals entrusted to the election of our new Pontiff.
With love, prayers and gratitude,
Sister Mary Coffelt, F.D.C.
Divine Mercy Sunday
Quotes from St. Faustina’s diary to reflect on:
“Patience, Prayer and Silence --- these are what gives strength
to the soul.”
“Faith and prayer are invisible but they can make things possible.
God’s part is to wonders;
Ours is the simplest part to trust and pray.”
“He who knows how to forgive prepares for
himself many graces from God.
As often as I look upon the cross,
so often will I forgive with all my heart.”
(Diary 390)
“My mercy is greater than all the sins of the world.”
(Diary 485)
“For the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”
Come, Let us Adore Him!
. . . The angel said to the shepherds “Do not be afraid for I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you. You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”
Luke 2:11-12
As we gather with family and friends to celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior,may we know the joy and wonder of that Holy Night like the kneeling shepherds knew and rejoice in the gifts of Christmas that is . . .
Christ’s LOVE, and JOY,
Graced with His PEACE, and filled
with His Presence in the Eucharist.
In Gratitude and LOVE the Daughters of Divine Charity are remembering all of you and your intentions in our Novena of Masses beginning on Christmas Day. Thank you for your support and generosity throughout the year.
Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Joyous, Happy, Healthy New Year 2025 filled with many blessings during the Jubilee Year of Hope which begins this Christmas Eve 2024 until January 6, 2026.
Sister Mary Coffelt, F.D.C. and Sisters
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