logo
Pope Francis dies: Austin Catholics mourn loss of pontiff

Pope Francis dies: Austin Catholics mourn loss of pontiff

Yahoo22-04-2025

The Brief
Pope Francis died at the age of 88 on April 21
His cause of death was revealed by the Vatican — Pope Francis died from a stroke that led to heart failure
Central Texas Catholics spoke about the loss of Pope Francis
AUSTIN, Texas - Catholics in Central Texas are mourning Pope Francis, and reflecting on his unique legacy.
There are also questions about how the pontiff's passing could impact the selection of a new bishop in Austin.
Local perspective
The bells tolled at noon Monday at St. Mary Cathedral in Downtown Austin, as they do every day, but inside the mass felt anything but ordinary. Parishioners gathered for a special and somber mass, just hours after the passing of Pope Francis.
"It was with sadness, of course, that we received that news, but certainly with gratitude for his over 12 years of just wonderful service," said Fr. James Misko, who currently oversees the Austin diocese.
Misko reminisced about his own meeting with the pontiff.
"I took him with my two hands, his hand in my two hands," said Misko. "He was just so welcoming and so friendly."
Misko says Francis lived up to his nickname as "the people's pope" for many Catholics in Austin.
"Certainly, we are on the southern border here in the United States. And so his desire to reach out to the peripheries, those most in need, the poor, certainly immigrants, have been part of his papacy," said Misko.
Fr. John Dougherty leads St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church in South Austin. He says his parish really felt Francis' impact.
"We've seen a real uptick in those who are interested in our faith and in joining the church. And I would say that he inspired that in a lot of people because Austin has a certain sense of being with the underdog to assist those who are need," said Dougherty.
FOX 7 Austin's John Krinjak asked what he thinks Francis' legacy will be, Dougherty said, "I think a life of simplicity, a life of prayer, and a life of service."
Charles Collins worked in the Diocese of Austin before later working at the Vatican. He is now a journalist and managing editor at cruxnow.com.
"You never knew what to expect. He would say things that no pope would ever say before. He'd just speak bluntly about things and say things were challenging or were controversial," said Collins.
What's next
With the pope's passing, many wonder what it will mean for the leadership of the Diocese of Austin, after Joe Vasquez was elevated to archbishop of Galveston-Houston in January.
"This may delay a little bit that appointment of a new bishop for the Diocese of Austin, but I'm just encouraging everyone to pray for our next Holy Father, whoever he is," said Misko, "So that he will be ready to name our new Bishop as soon as possible."
As for whether the new Catholic leader will be more progressive like Francis?
"I think anyone trying to predict a pope right now is completely guessing," said Collins.
"I would love to see somebody similar to Francis, especially again, with his love of people, his love of pastoring, and his love for poor," said Dougherty.
After the nine-day period of mourning ends, Collins says once the cardinals begin voting, he expects a new pope to be selected quickly, possibly within a few days.
The Source
Information from interviews conducted by FOX 7 Austin's John Krinjak

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

HCDSB Empowers Youth Voices at First-Ever Elementary Equity Symposium
HCDSB Empowers Youth Voices at First-Ever Elementary Equity Symposium

Hamilton Spectator

time16 hours ago

  • Hamilton Spectator

HCDSB Empowers Youth Voices at First-Ever Elementary Equity Symposium

Grade 7 students from across the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) came together recently for a day of learning, leadership and inclusion at the board's first-ever Elementary Student Equity Symposium. Held under the theme 'Take Space – Make Space,' the event welcomed 204 students and more than 45 staff supervisors from 43 schools, marking a significant milestone in the board's equity and inclusion efforts. The day-long symposium, designed to empower students to express their identities and build inclusive communities, featured three interactive workshops and was supported by 17 staff volunteers and six student volunteers. 'The 'Take Space – Make Space' theme reflects our Catholic values of dignity, compassion, and inclusion,' said Sita Jayaraman, Senior Manager of Human Rights and Equity. 'While similar symposiums have been held at the secondary level, we saw an opportunity to engage elementary students in building confidence in their identity, while supporting inclusive school communities through young leaders.' Participants, many from equity-deserving groups or with lived experiences tied to diversity, took part in workshops that blended creative expression, community engagement, and leadership skill-building. In Creative Collaboration, Matthew Morales, Community Engagement Specialist from the UN Global Compact, led students through a hands-on design process exploring diversity and collaboration. In Introduction to Leadership, facilitators from Rising Stars guided students through exercises on self-awareness, community-building, and youth empowerment. In Power of Diversity, presenters from The Ripple Effect Education offered a space for storytelling and reflection, focusing on how diverse voices can create stronger communities. 'The symposium aligns closely with our Multi-Year Strategic Plan pillar of Belonging,' said Jayaraman. 'It supports our commitment to safe, inclusive, and welcoming schools where every student's identity and voice is welcomed and valued.' The initiative also responds to priorities identified in the board's 2023 Equity Audit, including the need for affinity spaces for equity-deserving students. The Equity and Inclusive Education Policy, another guiding document, further underpins the board's approach to events like this. The impact of the day was clear in student feedback. 'They shared that the event helped them feel more connected, and they were inspired with new ideas—encouraging them to promote inclusion and compassion in their own school communities,' said Jayaraman. With the success of this year's symposium, HCDSB is now considering options to expand the program and make it an annual event. The day concluded with a renewed sense of purpose, a celebration of identity, and a strong reminder of the important role young people play in shaping equitable and inclusive school communities. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .

New bishop installed at cathedral in Manx capital
New bishop installed at cathedral in Manx capital

Yahoo

timea day ago

  • Yahoo

New bishop installed at cathedral in Manx capital

A new Catholic bishop has been officially installed in his post in Douglas. John Sherrington was named as Archbishop of Liverpool by the late Pope Francis in early April. The archdiocese includes the Isle of Man. He assumed his new role at a ceremony at the Church of Saint Mary of the Isle, which was attended by dignitaries including MHKs and local leaders of other churches. Archbishop Sherrington's installation at his "co-cathedral" - Liverpool's Metropolitan Cathedral, 80 miles (129km) away across the Irish Sea - took place on 27 May. As is tradition, the service in the Manx capital began with the archbishop knocking on the closed cathedral doors before being invited in by the Dean, Monsignor John Devine. Guests included the island's Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer, President of Tynwald Laurence Skelly, Chief Minister Alfred Cannan and leaders of other Christian denominations. During the service, the letter issued by the late Pope in early April, confirming Archbishop Sherrington's appointment, was read aloud to the congregation. The bishop was then installed in a special chair in the cathedral, which features his coat of arms alongside that representing the co-cathedral. The proceedings also included the hymn This Little Light of Mine, performed by the children of St Mary's Catholic Primary School, and the island's national anthem. During his homily, Archbishop Sherrington said the ceremony marked a "day of great joy". Archbishop Sherrington moved from the Diocese of Westminster to succeed the Rt Rev Malcolm McMahon OP, who was been in the post since May 2014. Archbishop McMahon submitted his resignation to the late pontiff last year, having reached the usual retirement age for bishops of 75. Bishop Sherrington was ordained a priest in the Diocese of Nottingham in 1987. He was also ordained as an Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster and Titular Bishop of Hilta in 2011. In addition to the Isle of Man, the archdiocese covers Merseyside as well as parts of Cheshire and Greater Manchester, and an area of Lancashire south-west of the River Ribble. The elevation of the Manx cathedral in November 2023 followed Douglas being awarded city status as part of the late Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X. New Archbishop of Liverpool appointed by Pope Ceremony marks Manx church's new cathedral status Cathedral status service to feature Manx elements Cathedral status service to feature Manx elements Douglas church granted cathedral status by Pope Douglas Jubilee city status 'a huge honour' Archdiocese of Liverpool The Roman Catholic church on the Isle of Man

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store