This May, as the Church honors Mary, Mother of God, I find myself reflecting not only on the women who have shaped our faith but also on the man who, in so many ways, helped the world see their light.
We are still mourning the loss of Pope Francis, a shepherd who walked with a Marian heart: humble,
strong, and full of compassion. His death has left many of us feeling lost, but also deeply grateful. Grateful for the way he gently turned the Church’s gaze toward mercy, inclusion, and the margins of society. Grateful for the way he consistently uplifted the vocation, voice, and dignity of women.
As we ask the Holy Spirit to guide the conclave in its discernment of our next Holy Father, we also remember Pope Francis not only as a man of the people but also as a man of Mary.
“Every time we look to Mary, we come to believe once again in the revolutionary nature of love and tenderness.” —Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium
His devotion to Mary wasn’t performative. It was deeply woven into his ministry. From his daily rosary and his pilgrimages to Santa Maria Maggiore, to his entrusting his papacy to her care, Pope Francis looked to Mary as both mother and missionary. She was for him the first evangelizer, the first disciple, and the first to say yes when the world needed her most.
And, just as he elevated Mary’s presence in his own life, Pope Francis also raised up the voices of women across the Church:
He appointed Sr. Nathalie Becquart as the first woman with voting rights in the Synod of Bishops.
He named Sr. Raffaella Petrini to a groundbreaking leadership position within the Vatican City State.
He invited women theologians, canon lawyers, and parish leaders into the Church’s most important conversations—especially in the ongoing Synod on Synodality.
“We must not reduce the involvement of women in the Church, but instead promote it.” —Pope Francis
This May, as we honor Mary and all women who give life to the Church—mothers, sisters, prophets, theologians, catechists, and friends—we also give thanks for a pope who walked with tenderness, listened with humility, and led with love.
At RENEW, we remain committed to building a Church that reflects Mary’s yes and honors Francis’s vision: one that listens, includes, and renews.
May Mary guide our hearts in this moment of transition. And may the Spirit lead the conclave to choose a successor who continues to uplift all God’s people, especially those whose voices have too often gone unheard.
Blessings to all in this season of farewell and new beginnings.
Saint of the Month
Saint Mary Magdalene
As we dedicate the month of May to Mary, the Mother of God, we also honor another Mary — Mary Magdalene, the first to proclaim the Good News of the Resurrection. Known throughout the centuries as the "Apostle to the Apostles," Mary Magdalene holds the distinction of being the first person sent by Jesus on what might be called the most important news assignment of all time.
Without fanfare or a formal press conference, she simply ran to her
community and announced the earth-shaking truth:
"I have seen the Lord." (John 20:18)
Mary Magdalene reminds us that proclaiming the Gospel isn't about having the perfect words or a polished plan. It is about showing up, heart pounding, breathless with hope, and telling the truth about what we have seen and known. Her courage in speaking up, even when others doubted her, continues to inspire every generation of believers.
At RENEW International, we see the spirit of Mary Magdalene reflected in the countless women who, through the years, have given their gifts, leadership, labor, laughter, and love to help spread the Gospel and build vibrant communities of faith. Their witness—faithful, sometimes feisty, and always full of heart—reminds us that renewal doesn't start with programs or policies. It starts when someone dares to say, "I've encountered Christ—and I want you to encounter him, too."
This May, may we all find a little of Mary Magdalene’s fearless fire within us. May we live, love, and proclaim: "I have seen the Lord."
A Tip for Small Christian Communities to Thrive
Occasionally, it's a good practice to do a simple check-in. As we remember Pope Francis, we reflect on how often he called us to accompany one another in the Church. Our small Christian community is the best place to respond to his call. One of the reasons we gather in small communities is to support each other as we journey through life. So, how is your group doing in this regard?
At one of your gatherings, read the account in Mark’s Gospel of Jesus healing the paralytic (Mk 2:1-12). In this story, the four men not only accompany their friend, but they literally carry him to Jesus. In your discussion, share about these questions:
How are we doing, as a small Christian community, at accompanying and supporting one another? Most of us may be open to “carrying” a friend who is in need, but are we open to letting others carry us when we are the ones in need? If not, what is our reluctance?
Would we welcome someone willing to accompany us? And how does our love and support for one another within the group flow out into the world?
Whom do we accompany outside our small Christian community? How?
Your support is the driving force behind our mission. Your contribution enables us to create lasting transformation in our parish communities. Help RENEW help the Church thrive!
.png?upscale=true&width=516&upscale=true&name=Yellow%20and%20Red%20Doodle%20Black%20History%20Month%20Project%20Report%20Cover%20A4%20Document%20(6).png)
%20(1).png?upscale=true&width=416&upscale=true&name=Yellow%20and%20Red%20Doodle%20Black%20History%20Month%20Project%20Report%20Cover%20A4%20Document%20(210%20x%20400%20mm)%20(1).png)
(3)%20nonprofit%20organization.-1.png?upscale=true&width=516&upscale=true&name=For%20More%20Information%20contact%20the%20Development%20Office%20908.769.5400%20x114%20%20gala@renewintl.org%20RENEW%20International%20is%20a%20501(c)(3)%20nonprofit%20organization.-1.png)
.png?upscale=true&width=516&upscale=true&name=Parish%20Renewal%20Webinars%20Square%20(5%20x%207%20in).png)
.jpg?upscale=true&width=326&upscale=true&name=Front%20cover%20(1).jpg)
-1.png?upscale=true&width=376&upscale=true&name=Book%20Covers%20(83)-1.png)
