Catholics mourn Pope’s death with week of Mass

THE Archdiocese of Port-of-Spain yesterday began officially mourning the death last Saturday of Pope John Paul II by daily observances of Mass that will be held all week at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception. A special requiem Mass has been planned for Wednesday at which thousands are expected to attend, including members of the diplomatic corps. Masses will start at 5 pm every day this week. Making the announcement was Archbishop of Port-of-Spain Edward Gilbert at a press conference at Archbishop’s House yesterday. Chief celebrant at yesterday evening’s Mass was Archbishop Gilbert, during which a photo of the Pope was installed in the centre of the sanctuary, where it will remain until 6 pm on Friday. The Pope’s funeral will take place at Vatican City on Friday.

At tomorrow’s special Mass, Archbishop Gilbert will be the chief celebrant, with co-celebrants Bishop John Mendes, Vicar General Monsignor Christian Pereira and Papal Nuncio, His Excellency Thomas E Gullickson, as well as priests of the archdiocese. No parking will be allowed on the cathedral’s compound, making room for the forecourt to be used as an additional seating area. Tents will to be erected for “the overflow of the crowd that is expected.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been asked to send out invitations to members of the diplomatic corps as well as  President George Maxwell Richards and Prime Minister Patrick Manning. The flag of the papal nuncio outside Archbishop’s House and the apostolic nunciature at Mary Street has been flying at half mast since the weekend.

Archbishop Gilbert said that at Wednesday’s Mass he will touch on the Pope’s life, especially his teachings, in his homily. He noted that Pope John Paul II, although listening to people, always told the truth, never paying attention to polls and surveys. He said with many having no respect for life and people distancing themselves from the truth, we “have to continue his legacy. He condemned injustice and we must never forget his teachings on the proclamation of truth.” This evening’s Mass will be celebrated by Monsignor Esau Joseph vicar of the suburban area, while Father Peter de la Bastide will be the celebrant on Thursday (vicar for the Eastern areas) and Monsignor Pereira on Friday.

Two condolence books will be opened for signing at the cathedral after the 7.15 Mass this morning, and the Blessed Sacrament will remain exposed until 5 pm on Friday. The condolence books will be flanked by the TT national flag and the papal flag. Archbishop Gilbert said they did not want to make anyone uptight, but merely celebrate the life of the holy father. He also urged the various parishes in the Catholic archdiocese to continue to hold their “liturgies, vigils and prayers” in celebration of the Pope’s life. Archbishop Gilbert described John Paul II as “extraordinary,” adding that while one would wonder how anybody could take his place, the Holy Spirit had already chosen “his successor.”

He said his legacy will be irreversible as his initiatives had already begun to show, because some leaders were beginning to trust each other. The archbishop also asked that we overcome our fear and tiredness and face it together without oversimplifying those fears. He was firm that we could do it. He said when John Paul was made Pope, the Vatican had diplomatic relations with 85 countries. Today, it had grown to 174 countries. He said he appointed 232 cardinals, and of the 117 who will form the conclave, he appointed 114 of them.