Millions of Catholics remembered the life and papacy of Pope John Paul II last Friday, watching his funeral on television and attending church services.
A contingent of Fairfield students attended a memorial mass at Bridgeport’s St. Augustine Cathedral with Father Jeffrey von Arx, S.J. The mass followed the same rituals that the pope had asked for his funeral in Vatican City. It was a memorable experience for those in attendance.
“I really enjoyed the mass. The way that they did the readings in Spanish and Polish powerfully added to the service,” said Jared Guerin ’07.
The mass was attended by many Catholic clergy, representatives from Christian, Jewish and Muslim religious groups, and many noted politicians from Bridgeport.
Bishop William Lori, of the Diocese of Bridgeport, presided over the mass and shared his reflections on the life and message of Pope John Paul II.
“It was wonderful to be with him. I’ll always cherish those last moments,” said Lori of his last audience with the pontiff during the summer of 2004.
Guerin also shared his thoughts and memories of the Pope.
“He was an amazing man. His legacy to us is that the children are the future of the church,” he said. “His ability to see internationally shaped both the church and today’s world.”
The cardinals of the church convened in the Vatican for a conclave to elect a new Pope. Following the Pope’s funeral are 9 days of reflection about the future of the church, and then the election course starts.
The details of the voting ritual are not public, but as soon as the voting starts the fireplaces of the Vatican are lit with black smoke coming out.
When a new pope is chosen the ballots are placed in the fire with chemicals which turn the smoke white to signal to the world that the Catholic Church has a new leader.
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