By Susan Scanlon
Children from Years 3 and 4 at St Joseph’s College in Albany were caught up in a frenzy of excitement last week as they made congratulatory cards for Pope Francis, the first pope to be elected in their lifetime.
Led by teacher Sharlene Cavanagh, the children spent time discussing the thoughts and feelings that must have gone through Pope Francis’ head when he realised he had been elected.
Then each child made, wrote, and decorated his or her own card to the Pope.
Once the cards were ready to be mailed, the children plotted the journey their cards would have to take to travel all the way from Albany to Vatican City.
The students from the religious education class hope their letters find their way to Vatican City in Italy and that Pope Francis will be encouraged by their prayers for his pontificate.
“You might be feeling shocked but I will pray for you,” Charley Hammond wrote.
“You might be feeling a bit nervous but I know you can do it, you’re going to be a brilliant Pope!” Sophie Gerge added.
Nickolas Wright wrote: “I think you will be our friend and I am glad that you are our new Pope. I love you and will pray for you.”