Like Jesus, like Francis, like Francis - decide!

Just come in from church after the beginning of Watching at the Altar of Repose. A good number at Mass...

Gethsemane is the place of decision. In the Upper Room Jesus laid out his Plan: we are to wash humanity's feet and we are to do wonderful things "in memory of me", whereby He remains with us until the end of time. Now we are invited into the Garden, the place of decision. Will we play our part?

Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio's assuming of Francis as his new name as pope has given rise to much discussion. He confirmed that it was the saint of Assisi that he had in mind. My picture today comes not from Assisi however, but from the nearby town of Spoleto, where we stayed on our September pilgrimage. The sacristy of the cathedral there houses a precious relic - one of a tiny number of autograph manuscripts, in this case a letter to Brother Leo (right). This was written by one who came as close as anyone to living out the events of the Upper Room.

Pope Francis washing the feet of  young offenders, including men and women, and also including 2 Muslims.