# It's in our hands: Walking in praise with Pope Francis
*2015-09-30*

> Bill Young reflects on the lives of St. Alfonso Rodriguez and St. Maria Goretti before discussing Pope Francis's call to replace indifference with responsibility in caring for our common home.

## The Power of Simple Prayer

Today is the feast day of St. Alfonso Rodriguez. He was a simple man of the 17th century who endured immense trials, losing his wife, daughter, and eventually his son. Despite these losses, he became a Jesuit and embraced humble tasks, serving as a doorkeeper for the seminary. When he wasn't working, he was in prayer.

Prayer is the key ingredient. When we pray every day, things happen in our lives because God listens to all our prayers. Prayer is a conversation; when we aren't praying, we aren't talking to God. That is why I do this podcast—to help us pray and talk to our Lord Jesus, with the help of the saints and Mary, the mother of Jesus, who intercede for us.

## The Example of St. Maria Goretti

Currently in Orlando, Florida, we have the relic of St. Maria Goretti. She is a beautiful saint and the youngest saint, having died at eleven years old after a terrible attack by a neighbor. Even in her suffering, Maria forgave her attacker. While he was serving time in jail, St. Maria Goretti appeared to him, leading him to change his hard heart. Eventually, after his release, he attended her canonization.

## Overcoming Despair for Our Common Home

Continuing our 30-day journey, 'Walking in Praise with Pope Francis,' we reach Day 29: 'It's in our hands.' We are reminded that we should not despair. With God's love to guide us, we can replace irresponsibility with attention and problem-making with problem-solving.

Pope Francis says bluntly that our post-industrial society may well be looked upon as one of the most irresponsible of all times. However, he also holds out great hope. Rooted firmly in Scripture and guided by the example of Christ, we have the ability to reverse course. We can become the generation that took a stand to restore the earth and build a society founded on co-responsibility, cooperation, mutual respect, and understanding.

## Pondering Our Role

As we reflect on this, we should ask ourselves: Can I overcome my own fear and indifference to work for change? How do I get started? Do I believe in God's belief in me? Let us pray: God of creation, help me to adopt St. Francis of Assisi's lavish and rapturous praise of you and the world that you have made. Amen.

*By replacing indifference with attention and trusting in God's belief in us, we can work together to restore the earth and our society.*