Lost And Forsaken

The Chair of Peter sits empty and I can't help but feel a little lost myself.

What can I do?

It's a different feeling of loss when the Pope Emeritus is still alive and roaming somewhere in the world. He hasn't passed away and left us, but he has moved on to a place of prayer and meditation.

I wonder what he's doing and wonder if he is alone? Perhaps he has been reunited with his brother, Georg, who can console him.

I like to think he has because that makes me feel a little bit better.

While the drama swirls about the conclave and the Cardinals, I find myself feverishly following and wandering around in the hub-bub. Clicking from here to there, scrounging to uncover the latest and make sense of the media madness.

 I must admit, I'm a bit caught up in it all. The process, the words, the Cardinals, the smoke.

And then I think of him, a meek and humble servant who was a Shepherd who led our Catholic Church.

My favorite octogenarian in red shoes.

(I know, I know, I'm not going to let the shoes die, am I?)

The Pope is another reason why I love the Catholic Church and hold the Chair of St. Peter in highest honor. Yes, probably even above the Presidency of the United States.

In the days ahead while I feel a little bit lost, I'm going to remember why I love this Church so much. And why prayer is always a good consolation when I'm not sure where to turn or what to do.

I'll pray for our Pope Emeritus, the leaders of our Church, the Cardinals in the conclave and the next Pope that God has already chosen to take the Chair of Peter.

Please join me.

**Have you heard of the Adopt A Cardinal site yet? Go there and you will be given a computer generated choice for a Cardinal to pray for specifically during the conclave. What a great idea!

We'll be praying in a special way for Cardinal James Michael Harvey from the United States.