From One Francis to Another - Clongowes Wood College

Posted: 19th May 2013

Frankie O’Reilly receives response from Pope Francis

Just as one Francis embarks on a new stage of his life, his Clongownian namesake draws the first chapter of his own new adventure to a close. Offering words of wisdom no doubt, Frankie O’Reilly (Elements) took pen to paper and wrote to Pope Francis at his new address.

In what was a seminal moment for the Jesuit order, Jorge Mario Begoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina, became the Bishop of Rome following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. Elected on March 13 2013 to joyous celebration in Clane (… and across the globe), Pope Francis became the first Jesuit pope in the history of the Church.

This week Frankie’s kind words were acknowledged by the Vatican. Signed off by Monsignor Peter B. Wells, the letter reads: “The Holy Father has received your letter, and he has asked me to thank you. He will pray for you, and he sends you his blessing.” In the above photograph Frankie holds the letter, and a card personally autographed by the Holy Father.

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