Kalamazoo cathedral holds mass for ‘Father Bob,' also known as Pope Leo XIV
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — The Catholic faithful in Kalamazoo gathered at St. Augustine Cathedral Monday evening for a Mass of Thanksgiving as the excitement of a pope with real ties to West Michigan continues.
Now 11 days after as the 266th successor of St. Peter, the joy is still evident.
'We were all so tickled when he came through the curtain,' parishioner Sharon Gregorski told News 8. 'All we could do is scream, 'It's Father Bob!''
New pope attended Catholic high school in West Michigan
Former friends of Prevost communed with the congregation at St. Augustine Cathedral Monday and described the emotion of celebrating a new but familiar pope with their fellow faithful.
'The feelings were amazing. The joy was so tangible,' Gregorski added. 'Not only in the liturgy and music but even in people's responses and faces. They were so happy we have a pope we know.'
Sharon and Deacon Roger Gregorski hail from Niles, where they interacted with the now-pope during his summer retreats in the area. They eventually accompanied 'Father Bob' on a now even more unforgettable journey.
'He agreed to be a spiritual leader on a pilgrimage to Rome,' Roger Gregorski explained. 'So, we were with him in several locations in Italy. One highlight was we celebrated mass with him in St. Peter's. So those are fond, fond memories. … None of us could have foreseen, but he certainly was a special person. He is the real deal, he's approachable, he's not pretentious, he's an amazing homilist. He's the whole package. So, we're savoring the moment.'
'Incredible': West Michigan seminarians in Rome as Pope Leo XIV elected
Monday's mass was led by Bishop Edward Lohse, another former colleague of the new pontiff. The service sent prayers for Pope Leo XIV while celebrating the caliber of character he wields and weaves into his leadership.
'Just the speed with which Leo was elected was significant,' Lohse said. '(It showed) that what we are perceiving in him is obviously not just our perception. There was a whole College of Cardinals that saw the same thing. … He's calling for our authenticity and integrity and Christians. Talk is cheap — let's put it into action. Let's be the people we say we are. That's coming through very clear.'
Lohse chose verses from Matthew Chapter 16 for the gospel reading Monday. Those verses contain the famous phrase from Jesus, 'On this rock I will build my church.' The bishop reminding everyone that mission from Jesus to Peter has been passed through each Pope through the ages in an unbroken chain leading to their friend and leader, 'Father Bob.'
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