A Special Message from UIW President Thomas M. Evans, PhD

Dear students, faculty and staff,

“… if he has risen from the dead, then he is present everywhere, he dwells among us, he hides himself and reveals himself even today in the sisters and brothers we meet along the way, in the most ordinary and unpredictable situations of our lives. He is alive and is with us always, shedding the tears of those who suffer and adding to the beauty of life through the small acts of love carried out by each of us.”

In what was to be his final homily, Pope Francis reminded us of the hope of Easter and inspired us to take action in seeking out Jesus in the world. Today, on this Easter Monday, we can find joy in the risen Christ and feel emboldened in our search for Him, even as we mourn the passing of His servant, our dear Pope Francis. 

The Holy Father’s legacy of kindness and humility touched the hearts of millions around the world, including our own Incarnate Word community. Through his emphasis on human dignity, compassion, and inclusivity, he shares with us his vision for the Church as a “house that welcomes all.”

Among his greatest gifts and teaching to us were his calls to care and serve one another. He called us to care for our fellow brothers and sisters in his encyclical Fratelli Tutti, or “brothers all.” He reminded us of our responsibility to the earth, our common home, in Laudato si’. Finally, in Dilexit Nos, he concludes that both are rooted in Christ’s love. 

Through the Mission of the University of the Incarnate Word, we strive to embody the values Pope Francis championed. In serving one another, in recognizing the dignity of all people, and in our sustainability efforts, we carry out the “small acts of love” through which the love of Christ is made tangible in the world. 

Pope Francis was a Jesuit priest and the first Jesuit pope. As we reflect on his life and impact, I want to share with you the Ignatian Prayer for Generosity said by Jesuits and those educated in the Jesuit tradition, that reflects his teachings so well.  

Lord, teach me to be generous,
to serve you as you deserve,
to give and not to count the cost,
to fight and not to heed the wounds,
to toil and not to seek for rest,
to labor and not to look for any reward,
save that of knowing that I do your holy will.

Amen

Please join our Incarnate Word community and the faithful across the world in praying for the repose of his soul, for his family, for the Church, and for all who are impacted by this profound loss. Noon Mass at Our Lady’s Chapel will offer prayers for Pope Francis.  

In the words of our faith: “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.” 

Sincerely,

Thomas M. Evans, PhD

President

Photo ‘General Audience with Pope Francis’ I © Mazur I catholicnews.org.uk, shared by flicker.com under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 – changes made