Sister’s prayer for the ‘unknown’ Cardinal Bergoglio

    As 115 cardinals entered into conclave to select a new pope, an awesome inspiration penetrated the minds and hearts of the two young candidates for the Sisters of the Holy Family, postulant Ernestine Bard and aspirant Damekia Jerry.
    Their plan involved researching each cardinal, having the entire community select a cardinal’s name from a basket and then praying for that cardinal during the conclave and three days after the conclave.
    As I gazed at the scrap of paper I selected from the basket, I realized that the cardinal, whose name I chose, was completely unknown to me. I repeated his name several times to myself so that I could easily recall his name throughout each day.
    I invoked the Holy Spirit to open his heart to focus on God and the needs of the people and the church. “Lord, do not forget, Bergoglio, be with him, today,” I prayed.
    At the same time, I said to God, “I know this one may not make it to the top, but be with him anyway, even though he is unknown.”
    In silence, I continued to pray for him. I reflected on the fact that “the wonder of prayers can never be measured.” And my prayers kept rising, rising like the sun, for my cardinal.
    At prayer, my constant thoughts were that the candidate chosen would be one who could bring people together, who would have a deep respect for people and who would be a visual witness of the Gospel.
    On the fifth ballot, it became apparent that someone had been selected. And, whom did I see walking in a slow, humble stride, approaching the throng of people below?
    It was none other Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio!
    I was simply floored and sat in total amazement when he emerged on the balcony. I said to myself, “Oh, sweet Jesus, I prayed him forth, without realizing it.” I was stunned to say the least. What a sense of joy came over me! He was a Jesuit, and I had grown up in a Jesuit parish, Christ the King, in Grand Coteau, La., and been taught by Jesuits at St. Peter Claver High School.
    At first, I did not tell anyone that it was my cardinal who had been elected as pope. When the young candidates asked us: “Who prayed for Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio?” I had to admit that it was I.
    My heart and mind did not remain with the commentators. I began to research Pope Francis for myself. In terms of the church, he was just what I had prayed for – and much more. God indeed is a God of surprises, and I was a witness to this one. So, the Holy Spirit prepared the conclave for Cardinal Bergoglio to come forth.
    He became the cardinal who allowed Rome to be connected in a special way with the Southern Hemisphere and open itself to the Third World, where the largest percentage of Catholics lives. Cardinal Bergoglio is the first non-European pope in more than 1,000 years. His election to the chair of Peter has become an historic event for the universal church.
    I am filled with joy as I read words of praise about him, especially about his humility, his love of service to the vulnerable and poor, his “shoe leather” evangelization and his widespread capacity for goodness.
    The church is elated and the people feel so connected at this time. We know we are brothers and sisters to each other as we strive to heal and pray for each other, together with Pope Francis leading and guiding us forward in hope. Now, “All is Well With My Soul.”
    Sister Eva Regina Martin is congregational leader of the Sisters of the Holy Family.