Rabbi Michael Jay Shares Condolences on the Passing of Pope Francis
From Rabbi Michael Jay from the Long Beach Island Jewish Community Center
With kind words and condolences, with prayer and shared grief, I share with you the beautiful note I received from Rabbi Michael Jay from the Long Beach Island Jewish Community Center.
Thank you, Rabbi Jay, and everyone at the LBIJCC for your prayer and your constant support.
Know that our prayer remains with you and we remain united as brothers and sisters striving to follow the will of the Most High.
Fraternal,
Fr. Francis Di Spigno, OFM
Pastor.
____________________
April 21, 2025
Fr. Francis Di Spigno, OFM
Pastor
St. Francis of Assisi Parish
4700 Long Beach Boulevard
Brant Beach, NJ 08008
Dear Father Francis:
Please accept this note on behalf of myself, the President and Board of Trustees of the Jewish Community Center of Long Beach Island, and the entire JCC community.
One never quite knows the words to say when a loss is suffered, let alone a loss of such great magnitude. I start by noting that I am certain that great significance must be given to the fact that the Pope passed on Easter Monday, just a few short hours after appearing in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.
I recall, from the news stories I have read and watched over the years, that the Pope was a person who cared deeply for the downtrodden and whose leadership, compassion, and dedication to peace transcended religious boundaries.
I, and the JCC community, join the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. May his memory always be a blessing, and may his vision for peace and unity continue to inspire us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, the St. Francis Community, our Catholic friends, and all those grieving this profound loss.
Sent with prayers for comfort and peace – Rabbi Michael S. Jay