Go, And Rebuild My Church

One day, when Francesco Bernadone was praying quietly in the ruined church of San Damiano in Assisi,  he heard a voice coming from the now famous crucifix saying to him:  "Francis, go and rebuild my Church, which is falling into ruins." Francis thought the voice meant San Damiano, so he set about restoring it, a task he completed, but later he realized that those words referred to the whole Church, which was in dire need of reform, and spiritual rebuilding.
From the moment the newly elected Pope announced his name, Francis, people made the association with the vocation of the "Poor Man of Assisi" to rebuild the Church.  The Pope has confirmed this assumption and has set about setting the tone and style of this "rebuilt" Church.  He was in Assisi on Friday and outlined his goals for the "new" Church:  A poor Church for the poor; a welcoming Church, with doors open to all, even non-believers; a Church that doesn't judge; a Church that is "messy" and not only lays down its life for the sheep, but smell like them; a Church of peace, that is an oasis of peace and works for peace among all nations; a reformed Church, whose government will include lay people.
This is just the beginning.  Francis initially attracted idealists like himself, but has the number of his friars increase, differences of opinion on how to "be poor" arose, and the original ideals were deemed unsustainable, causing Francis much pain.  His eyes failed, and the pain from the wounds of Christ imprinted in his body was real and constant.  Yet, he kept a joyful spirit, and an adamant faith.  As the Church undergoes its reforms, there will be pain, but like Francis, with faith, we can keep our spirits joyful.
Bro. Rene