Patna churches, missionary schools to mourn Pope Francis with special prayers
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Patna: The Bishop House cancelled a scheduled dinner at Governor House on Easter Monday after the death of Pope Francis was announced in the morning. Parishes, Catholic schools and other Church-run institutions across the city will hold special assemblies and prayer services on Tuesday to mourn the death of the pontiff. The Christian minority educational institutions will remain closed on the day of the funeral as a mark of respect and mourning.
According to Patna archbishop Sebastian Kallupura, a period of national mourning will be observed in all dioceses and ecclesiastical jurisdictions across the country for nine days, as per a communique shared by
Catholic Bishops Conference of India
(CBCI). A holy mass will be held in every parish, institution and religious house in remembrance of the Pope and in communion with the universal church on Tuesday as well as the day of the funeral.
Father Selvin Xavier, SJ, parish priest of Queen of Apostles Church, Kurji, said, "We deeply mourn the death of our beloved Pope Francis, the tallest leader and loving shepherd of the Catholics all over the world. We are eternally grateful for his leadership and him being the voice of courage and wisdom amidst the chaos of the world today. He cared for the poor and the migrants. He was a simple man with high thinking who chose to live in simple quarters rather than the papal palace. He was a people's Pope who was loved and celebrated beyond the Catholic Church. Pope Francis left a legacy that will continue to speak about his efforts for the renewal of the Catholic Church and a voice of god."
Eric de Rozario, vice-principal of Don Bosco Academy, said a special prayer and assembly will be held in the school on Tuesday when the Pope's contribution to the world and humanity will be recounted.
Similarly, a prayer service will be held at St Michael's High School on Tuesday. Principal Fr A Christu Savarirajan said that students, teachers and all staff will pay tribute to Pope Francis during the morning assembly.
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