We — The Board Members, Students, Graduates of The Downtowners Campus Ministry — grieve the loss of Pope Francis' presence on this earth. His outreach in love, mercy, joy, faith has inspired in us courage and service to reach out through our Campus Ministry to students of all faith traditions and students we call our "Seekers of Faith" who did not belong to a faith community until they met up with us.
Now, for the first time since organizing 50+ years ago, the Downtowners risk losing — and have indeed lost — funding from Churches that expect us to serve students of their denominations only. This is indeed in contrast to the mission of Pope Francis who inspires outreach to all with the message of God's love and mercy.
Francis has inspired us to be courageous in our mission. He has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to interreligious dialogue fostering bridges of understanding and respect between diverse faith traditions. He had a genuine desire to find common ground, emphasizing shared values and the pursuit of peace. Our ministry is one with Pope Francis' love and service and call to holiness.
We — in community with students, graduates, members of faith communities — are one with Francis in our outreach and service to those who struggle — the homeless and working poor. In the spirit of Pope Francis, we are called to love one another, to come into community in prayer and care for each other, to serve those in need.
Dear God, keep Francis' mission of love, mercy, service close to our hearts in our mission and service through the Downtowners Campus Ministry.