Dear Friends,

Peace and All Good!

From the very beginning, the Franciscan tradition has embraced a profound truth: that every human person is made in the image of God. This belief is not abstract theology — it is the foundation of how we understand human dignity, celebrate our differences, and build inclusive, compassionate communities.

In the words of St. Francis, “Consider, O human being, in what great excellence the Lord God has placed you, for He created and formed you to the image of His beloved Son according to the body and to His likeness according to the Spirit” (Admonitions 5:1). This divine imprint means that no one is disposable, no life is without value, and every encounter is an opportunity to honor the sacred.

To see one another as bearers of God’s image is to recognize the miracle of God’s presence in each person we meet — especially those on the margins. It means that our efforts toward justice and peacemaking are not optional extras but essential expressions of faith. The humility of God in the Incarnation — God choosing to dwell among us in Jesus — has forever affirmed the sacred worth of the human person. This mystery, celebrated in the Eucharist and in our daily lives, calls us to revere the diversity of God’s creation and to respond with mercy, love, and respect.

In his first official homily on May 9, Pope Leo XIV stated: “In [Jesus Christ], God, in order to make himself close and accessible to men and women, revealed himself to us in the trusting eyes of a child, in the lively mind of a young person and in the mature features of a man (cf. Gaudium et Spes, 22), finally appearing to his disciples after the resurrection with his glorious body. He thus showed us a model of human holiness that we can all imitate, together with the promise of an eternal destiny that transcends all our limits and abilities.”

Amid the excitement of a new pope, let us reflect on the image of God within every person, shaping our actions and our vision of the world. May this reflection stir within us a renewed commitment to live with compassion and deep reverence for one another.

With peace and blessings,

Sr. Juliet Mousseau, RSCJ
VPAA Franciscan School of Theology

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