Sometimes the smallest hearts carry the greatest love—and sometimes their prayers and kindness travel all the way to Rome.

This year, Sr. Jeanne Marie Akalski's fourth-grade class at Saint Joseph School in Webster experienced a truly remarkable and touching connection to our Holy Father, Pope Francis.  What began as a simple classroom project blossomed into a deep spiritual bond between the students and the Pope himself.

Last Autumn, the students eagerly began writing notes and brainstorming heartfelt letters they hoped to send to Pope Francis one day.  Although the letters were not finalized at that time, God had his perfect plan in mind.  In February, an unexpected blessing arrived.  Principal Beth Boudreau received a phone call from the Superintendent of Diocesan Schools, Dr. David Perda, with a very special request: Bishop Robert McManus had recommended Sister Jeanne's fourth-grade class to compose individual letters to the Holy Father—a request close to Pope Francis's heart, as he had a deep affection for children's words and prayers.

The students joyfully created individual cards filled with their love, prayers, and hopes.  These cards were hand-delivered to Pope Francis in Rome by Mr. David Dziena, Vice President of Bayard Publishing, Inc., during a private audience with the Holy Father.  Mr. Dziena, who was in Rome for an important meeting, became a messenger of their faith and a symbol of their friendship.  Upon his return, he made a very special visit to Sr. Jeanne's classroom, where he shared photos of his time with Pope Francis and described the joy of presenting the children's cards.  As an added surprise, he presented each student with a rosary blessed personally by the Holy Father — a gift they would treasure forever.

Shortly after this joyful exchange, news arrived that Pope Francis was hospitalized.  Once again, Sr. Jeanne's fourth-grader students sprang into prayerful action, not out of obligation, but out of a deep belief in the power of their prayers.  Each student created a "get-well" card, assuring the Holy Father of their prayers and care. With great devotion, the students also committed to praying three Hail Mary's every hour each school day for his healing.  By God's providence, Mr. Dziena, knowing an archbishop at the Vatican in Rome, arranged for the get-well cards to be hand-delivered directly to Pope Francis.

In a spirit of continuous love and faithfulness, just this past April, the students created another round of beautiful cards to celebrate Pope Francis's twelfth anniversary as leader of the Catholic Church.  Although the class was deeply saddened to learn that the Holy Father passed away just days before the cards were expected to arrive, they trusted that their prayers and congratulations were already known to his loving heart now in heaven.

At Saint Joseph School, these "little missionaries" have long been dedicated to service projects, prayer campaigns, and creative outreach that have touched lives both near and far.  This year's journey with Pope Francis has taught them something extraordinary: that their unwavering dedication to simple acts of kindness, prayer, and love can reach across oceans, touch the heart of the Church, and remind the world of the precious faith of children.

Therefore, the students, led by Sr. Jeanne Marie Akalski, launched a unique project that invites the entire Webster community to take part in something beautiful: a mission of prayer and hope inspired by Pope Francis.

This coming fall, in the school hallway, a life-sized cardboard cutout of Pope Francis will stand next to two brightly decorated boxes.  One box will be for prayer petitions from the public, and the other will collect heartfelt letters the students will write to Pope Francis "in Heaven."  The idea is simple yet powerful: children offering to pray for others, thereby keeping the spirit of Pope Francis alive in their school and beyond.

"We want our students to see themselves as people who can make a difference – even in small ways like prayer," Sr. Jeanne shared.  "They're learning that even as children, they can be missionaries of hope."

Everyone in the community is welcome to participate.  Parishioners, families, and neighbors are invited to submit their intentions by dropping them off or mailing them to the designated location.  These will then be placed in the prayer box and lovingly included in the daily prayers of the students. The project will continue annually with new groups of students, establishing a lasting tradition of faith and service at Saint Joseph School.

Their joyful project stands as a beautiful testimony of the bond between the young and the shepherd who cared so deeply for them.  As Sr. Jeanne Marie shared with the students, "Your prayers and love were the real gift to Pope Francis—and now, from his place in heaven, he continues to bless each of you."

For those wishing to send prayer petitions or support this mission of hope, correspondence may be directed to:

Little Missionaries with Big Hearts: Continuing Pope Francis's Legacy

c/o Sr. Jeanne Marie Akalski

Saint Joseph School

47 Whitcomb St.

Webster, MA 01570

Photo Description

David Dziena, Vice President of Bayard Publishing, stands proudly with Sr. Jeanne Marie Akalski and her Fourth-Grade class at Saint Joseph School following his return from a private audience with Pope Francis. Smiling students gather around Mr. Dziena, who personally delivered their heartfelt cards and prayers to the Holy Father in Rome. Displayed on the Promethean Smart Board beside the group is a touching image of the moment Mr. Dziena presented the children's cards to Pope Francis—capturing a powerful connection between the young missionaries in Webster and the leader of the Catholic Church.