This morning I woke up and read another chapter from the Acts of the Apostles, as I’ve been doing for morning prayer during the Easter season. I was struck once again by the legacy of faith we have inherited through the blood and sacrifice of the Apostles, the first priests ordained by Jesus himself. ⁣ ⁣ With each page, we see a church being built by their courageous obedience to the Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ Crucified. ⁣ ⁣ Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Peter 2:38⁣ ⁣ Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Acts 2:43⁣ ⁣ They presented these men to the apostles who prayed and laid hands on them. Acts 6:6⁣ ⁣ The word of God continued to spread, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly; even a large group of priests were becoming obedient to the faith. Acts 6:7⁣ ⁣ //⁣ Earlier this week, my niece received her First Holy Communion. Her mom shared that as she prepared to walk down the aisle, escorted by her parents on either side, she looked up at them and exclaimed, “We are SO lucky to be Catholic!”⁣ ⁣ These words resounded deeply in my heart today. ⁣ ⁣ After witnessing the election of Pope Leo XIV, the 267th servant of God to assume the throne of St. Peter, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the gift of our Catholic faith. ⁣ ⁣ The Lord has once again, faithfully given us a shepherd to guard and protect us, his bride, Holy Mother Church. ⁣ ⁣ The Holy Spirit, once again, will equip and ennoble Pope Leo XIV to lead the church for such a time as this. ⁣ ⁣ As I finished praying the rosary for our new Holy Father this afternoon, I was reminded of this prayer I grew up reciting every morning at school. It had been years since I had even thought about it, but after looking up the words again, I felt so convicted by it. ⁣ ⁣ Please join me in praying this prayer each day for Pope Leo XIV! ⁣ Jesus, we trust in you!⁣ Deo Gratias!