I am busy cleaning this morning, but can’t keep my eyes off the television. I watch the President and the Pope walk towards the platform to address the crowd. I am transfixed by Pope Francis, as is much of the world.

I listen to the correspondents. They point out that it is not only the fact that he is the Pope, but rather who he is as a person which has garnered all this rock star attention. I believe they are right.

I can almost close my eyes and remember the halls of St. Luke’s Elementary School. I am sitting at my desk. Sister Lisa Marie is scribbling away on the chalkboard. My hair high in pigtails. My gray, black and green plaid uniform topped with a white shirt. The matching criss cross tie, snapped with a pearl white button in the middle.

We file one by one out of class to be ushered to mass. Our little selves squished into seats trying desperately to keep our focus. And then the music starts. The best part of mass for a child. I can hear my favorite song…

“And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love, Yes they’ll know we are Christians by our love.”

It is a Christian Hymn – “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love” which is also known as, “We Are One in the Spirit.” I love what both titles imply. It was inspired by John 13:35 and written by a Catholic Priest in 1968.

I can still feel the emotion of my young, Catholic girl self. To me that song meant love and love is a wonderful thing to a child.

1. We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord,
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord,
And we pray that all unity may one day be restored.

Refrain
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.

2. We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand,
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand,
And together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land.

3. We will work with each other, we will work side by side,
We will work with each other, we will work side by side,
And we’ll guard each one’s dignity and save each one’s pride.

4. All praise to the Father, from whom all things come,
And all praise to Christ Jesus, his only Son,
And all praise to the Spirit, who makes us one.

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