Pope Francis

Pope Francis wrote this in the Hospital. ❤️

“The walls of hospitals have heard more honest prayers than churches…
They have witnessed far more sincere kisses than those in airports…
It is in hospitals that you see a homophobe being saved by a gay doctor.
A privileged doctor saving the life of a beggar…
In intensive care, you see a Jew taking care of a racist…
A police officer and a prisoner in the same room receiving the same care…
A wealthy patient waiting for a liver transplant, ready to receive the organ from a poor donor…
It is in these moments, when the hospital touches the wounds of people, that different worlds intersect according to a divine design. And in this communion of destinies, we realize that alone, we are nothing.
The absolute truth of people, most of the time, only reveals itself in moments of pain or in the real threat of an irreversible loss.
A hospital is a place where human beings remove their masks and show themselves as they truly are, in their purest essence.
This life will pass quickly, so do not waste it fighting with people.
Do not criticize your body too much.
Do not complain excessively.
Do not lose sleep over bills.
Make sure to hug your loved ones.
Do not worry too much about keeping the house spotless.
Material goods must be earned by each person—do not dedicate yourself to accumulating an inheritance.
You are waiting for too much: Christmas, Friday, next year, when you have money, when love arrives, when everything is perfect…
Listen, perfection does not exist.
A human being cannot attain it because we are simply not made to be fulfilled here.
Here, we are given an opportunity to learn.
So, make the most of this trial of life—and do it now.
Respect yourself, respect others. Walk your own path, and let go of the path others have chosen for you.
Respect: do not comment, do not judge, do not interfere.
Love more, forgive more, embrace more, live more intensely!
And leave the rest in the hands of the Creator whoever that may be.”
—Pope Francis

Today a good man was buried in Rome

Today Pope Francis was buried in Rome. Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on 17 December 1936 in Flores, a neighbourhood of Buenos Aires.

The Pope revealed his plans to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore in December 2023, explaining that he felt a “very strong connection” with the basilica. “I want to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore,” Francis said. “Because it is my great devotion.”

The practice of burying the Pope in three coffins was a long-standing tradition in the Catholic Church, with each coffin holding symbolic meaning. The innermost coffin, made of cypress, contained the Pope’s body and artifacts. The lead coffin, which housed the cypress coffin, was inscribed with the Pope’s name and other details, according to the Vatican handbook “Funeral Rites of the Roman Pontiff”. Finally, the outer coffin, often made of elm or walnut, provided a protective layer and emphasized the Pope’s dignity, says the Center for Inquiry. While Pope Francis has simplified the funeral rites and has discontinued the three-coffin tradition, this practice was previously a way to honor the Pope’s position within the Church and symbolize their transition into the afterlife. 

Here’s a more detailed look at each coffin:

  • Cypress Coffin:This simple wooden coffin housed the Pope’s body and was designed to represent their humility and connection to the earth, says the Center for Inquiry. It also contained symbolic items like bags of coins representing the years of their pontificate, according to a post on Facebook. 
  • Lead Coffin:This durable coffin protected the cypress coffin and was engraved with the Pope’s name, the years of their pontificate, and other relevant details, according to a post on Facebook. 
  • Elm (or Walnut) Coffin:This outer coffin, often made of a precious wood like elm, emphasized the Pope’s dignity and was the final resting place for the other two caskets. 

Tomorrow

Afternoon Welcome Lunch Menu 12th April 2025

Main Dishes

  • Moussaka (V)
  • Leek Quiche (V)
  • BBQ Chicken Wings

Sides

  • Mediterranean Salad (V)
  • Corn on the Cob
  • Carrot and Celery Batons
  • Hummus (Simi)
  • Toum (Simi) 
  • Roast Potatoes and Parsnips
  • Wholemeal Wraps
  • Ratatouille (Courgettes, Peppers, Red Onions) 

Dessert

  • Lemon Drizzle Cake
  • Banana Cake
  • Chocolate Muffins

Ice Cream

Rhubarb

Banana/Mango/Pineapple

Drinks

  • Rose (0% Alcohol)
  • Kombucha
  • Water Kefir
  • Rhubarb Fizz
  • Mango Cordial
  • Elderflower Cordial
  • Grenadine Cordial
  • Beer (0% or Real)
  • Cider
  • Red or White Wine
  • Coffee.
    • (Espresso, Cappuccino, decaf)
  • Tea.
    • English, Earl Grey, Massala Chai
  • Water (from the tap and filtered, carbonated)

Enjoy your afternoon!

Today my Brother died

No, its not what you think. Its not my brother, its my brother…………. printer. 8 year old and I gave it a good resting place. In the big black filing cabinet.

That meant Val and I had to find a replacement. I’d done a little Amazon and google research as one does and I discovered there’s a new technology since my brother was brought into the house in Ella Road about 8 years ago. THE HP SMART TANK (refillable). What a good idea.