Dear Friends,

I write this the day after hearing Pope Francis greet the crowd at St. Peter's Square, saying, "Let us pray for each other, let us pray for the entire world because there is great brotherhood in the world."

That the Holy Father has chosen the name "Francis" has touched so many.

The pope's name, in recent decades, has taken on symbolic references signaling, in instances, homage to a predecessor or to a saint who inspired the Supreme Pontiff. Pope Francis has highlighted one of the most popular saints in Christendom, Francis of Assisi (1181–1226), who continues to capture the hearts of Christians and even unbelievers as an example of the poor servant Christ who came in our midst to ransom us for the love of the Father in heaven.

Undoubtedly, as Pope Francis continues his pastoral ministry to the poor and marginalized, he will bring attention to the Church's first article of its job description, namely, preaching the Gospel to the poor.

The affection and prayers of the world's Catholics have immediately circled the successor to Saint Peter. We are grateful to the Holy Spirit, whom we believe has pointed to God's selection of a universal shepherd for these times.

Those in Hispanic ministry see Pope Francis as a bridge builder during our time. You will want to read the article, "Sign of Hope to Latinos, World" on page 16 of the magazine.

As Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, the pope was known as an evangelizer. Surely, his embrace of the New Evangelization was a reason the cardinals elected him.

In this issue, Hosffman Ospino writes that evangelization requires embracing other cultures. The article "The New Evangelization in a Diverse Church: Culture Matters," notes that it is essential to recognize the cultures among us. "It is important," he states, "to pay attention to the various dynamics of culture that shape people's lives and how they enter in relationship with God."

During this fiftieth anniversary year of the Second Vatican Council, My Journal of the Council, by Yves Congar, provides insight into the author's work as a peritus. In the book's nearly 1,000 pages, Congar expresses his loneliness amidst the endless work. You will want to read Stephen Wilbricht's review of the book.

May all of us feel blessed through the election of Pope Francis.

Bishop Joseph N. Perry
Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago

Using the liturgy as its source, Pastoral Liturgy^® has been intentionally designed to be of service to the whole parish with resources for leaders and parishioners, those who are just beginning to learn about liturgy, and those who are seasoned volunteers and professionals.

The six 32-page, full-color issues follow the course of the liturgical year to provide guidance for liturgy preparation, faith formation, liturgical art and architecture, and the many areas of parish ministry that flow from the liturgy to witness the Gospel and build the kingdom of God.

Pastors, parish staffs, liturgy committees, catechists, musicians, architects, and everyone seeking to learn more about how the liturgy forms and informs all of parish life will find this resource a valuable support to understanding the liturgy more fully and incorporating it as the source for all they do. That's why Pastoral Liturgy^® magazine is the liturgy magazine for the whole parish!