Above: Pope Francis makes a visit to Casa Hogar, one of his last stops before leaving Panama City, on Jan. 27, 2019. (Vatican Media/Catholic News Agency)
Catie Sarnie felt like she “grew up” with Pope Francis. She knows she didn’t, really. After all, she never met him, lived in a different country and was separated in age from him by more than four decades.
Faith wise, though, the alignment was real.
“I started attending RCIA [now known as OCIA] in April 2013, a month after he became pope,” she said. “The world felt new with his papacy, and I felt so incredible lucky to be joining the Church right at that moment.”
Sarnie, who lives in Durham and belongs to Immaculate Conception Parish, said she was moved by his grace toward people, teachings and homilies. During her first 12 years as a Catholic person, the pope’s actions and words reminded her to “stay the course, even when it was hard.”
After the death of Pope Francis April 21, Sarnie said that she’d love, appreciate and pray for him always. Others in the diocese felt similarly and shared their thoughts with NC Catholics.
Thoughts from around the diocese:
“Pope Francis inspired me with his humility. He didn't want the trappings of status; he wanted to be with the people. I was impressed that he rode the bus, lived in a small apartment and did his own cooking while in Argentina. Even after his election as pope, he rode the same bus back to the hotel, carried his own bags, refused the silk shoes and chose to live with the other priests rather than in the palace. St. Francis of Assisi is my favorite saint. I was overjoyed to see how Pope Francis lived and taught us to follow the example of service to the poor, simple living and being instruments of peace. Pope Francis gave us wonderful encyclicals to help us to be in solidarity with the poor, become better global citizens, and to love God, each other and God's creation. He was a blessing, and I will continue to be inspired by his life and works.”
Michelle Rose, St. Mary Magdalene Parish, Apex
“My favorite memory of Pope Francis is seeing pictures of him kissing the man with boils on his face. Even though he had no idea of the man’s condition and if it was contagious, Pope Francis did not hesitate to go up to the man to embrace and kiss him. This is inspirational to me … each person is made in the image and likeness of God … each deserves to be included and not shunned because of their appearance and circumstances.”
Rachel Smith, St. Joseph Parish, Raleigh
I have always been struck with Pope Francis' energy and one-on-one contact. Having had the privilege to see him twice in Rome at the Wednesday audience and at the 2015 World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia … I can attest to those aspects.
In all three cases he never tired of meeting people and traveling in his popemobile for hours! After one audience I needed to wait to enter St. Peter’s Basilica until the pope was done greeting the very long line of people, from a military group to brides and grooms. After one hour, the line was still so long, and I decided to leave. He wore me out!
[For] most of my 70-year-old life, I had been searching for some acknowledgment of what my Catholic faith taught me - all of God's creation is precious. I found this acknowledgement in his encyclical Laudato Si': On Care of our Common Home. My main takeaway is that all creation is connected. If we don't care for one ... we won't care for the others. Let us care and care deeply.
Monica Kleimeyer, Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral Parish, Raleigh
“He's gone from this world, and it feels a little bit darker. I know that is fleeting, as are the emotions in this moment. I look forward to the metaphorical light returning.”
Catie Sarnie, Immaculate Conception Parish, Durham
NCC edited responses for space and style.