Witnessing Hope: Kevin Reda Reflects on the Legacy of Pope Francis

As the universal Church continues to mourns the passing of Pope Francis, Kevin Reda, Lay Pastoral Associate at Holy Name of Jesus and a dedicated member of the Service Team for Mission Jeunesse Montréal, shared his witness at the Requiem Mass and Vigil held for the repose of his soul.

During the vigil, Kevin offered a heartfelt reflection on the legacy of Pope Francis — a legacy marked by compassion, humility, and a profound invitation to hope. His testimony resonated not only with those gathered in prayer but also with many across the city, as several media outlets, including CTV, CityNews, Global News, and the Montreal Gazette, sought his insights on the life and impact of the Holy Father.

Kevin’s connection to Pope Francis was deeply personal: in the summer of 2023, during World Youth Day in Lisbon, he had the extraordinary privilege of sitting beside the Pontiff, representing Canada before thousands of young people from around the world.

We invite you to view Kevin’s vigil reflection and the media coverage below. Let us continue to pray for the soul of Pope Francis and for the Church he so lovingly shepherded.

https://www.holynameofjesus.ca/news/honouring-the-life-and-legacy-of-pope-francis

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Honouring the Life and Legacy of Pope Francis

Waking up on Easter Monday to the news of Pope Francis' passing brought a wave of emotion. While it was not entirely unexpected given his recent health challenges, it still left me in disbelief, especially after seeing him on Sunday delivering the Urbi et Orbi Easter blessing.

I have been reflecting on the moment I encountered him at World Youth Day in Lisbon in 2023. A moment that holds a special place in my heart.

It was a gift to me and the pilgrims from our parish to be among hundreds of thousands of young people from all corners of the world, welcoming Pope Francis with joy, music, and open hearts. There was a unique energy in the air: one of hope, unity, and something deeper that transcended cultural boundaries. Being in his presence, sitting close to him, felt like sitting with my grandfather.

There was a warmth in his eyes and a joy that radiated from him—an unmistakable joy rooted in something greater than himself. As he looked out at the crowd, he reminded everyone: "In the Church, there is room for everyone."

He invited us all to repeat after him, "Todos, todos, todos"—Everyone, everyone, everyone.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis had a way of speaking directly to the hearts of young people. His words challenged and inspired me in how I live my own mission, particularly in ministry. He encouraged us not to retire young, not to become too comfortable or passive with our lives, to avoid becoming "couch potatoes."

He reminded us that Jesus is not the Lord of comfort and ease, but of risk, movement, and purpose. He challenged us to leave a mark on the world, to step off the sidelines and be active participants in building a better future. At World Youth Day in Panama, he told us: "You are not the future; you are the NOW of God."

He invited us to become bridge-builders, not just between generations, but within our communities. He encouraged young people to connect with their grandparents, to seek their wisdom and stories, because those stories have the power to stir our hearts.

He called on the Church to remain youthful—not just in age, but in spirit—reminding us that youth is a state of mind. He called the Church not to remain in safe spaces, but to take on what he called the "smell of the sheep": to walk with people in their everyday lives, to listen to their stories, and to share joy with others. Joy, he reminded us, is missionary. It is a gift meant to be shared.

Pope Francis was, above all, a pope of mercy. In this Jubilee Year, he called us to be pilgrims of hope. Hope does not mean we will not experience sorrow, but that even in sorrow, we carry the hope of the resurrection.

I am deeply thankful for his life, his leadership, and his words that continue to shape and inspire my journey. He spoke not just to Catholics, but to anyone longing for compassion, justice, and peace.

I leave you with his words from the closing Mass at World Youth Day in Lisbon:

"Dear young people, I would like to look into the eyes of each of you and say: Do not be afraid. I will tell you something else, also very beautiful: it is no longer I, but Jesus himself who is now looking at you. He knows each of your hearts, each of your lives; he knows your joys, your sorrows, your successes and failures. He knows your heart. Today, he says to you, here in Lisbon, at this World Youth Day: 'Have no fear, take heart, do not be afraid!'" —Lisbon 2023, Closing Mass

Kevin Reda
Lay Pastoral Associate
Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Laval