Latest news with #EasterOctave
Herald Malaysia
24-04-2025
- General
- Herald Malaysia
Pope Francis: A Joyful Easter even when all is not well
Couple pray Rosary for Pope Francis after a memorial Mass in South Africa: 23. 04. 2025 (AFP or licensors) Oluwakemi Akinleye fsp - LagosAs we mourn the demise of our beloved Papa Francesco, we are consoled and strengthened by his life of faith, hope, and love for God's people, especially the poor and marginalized. In his last days, Pope Francis bore his suffering and pain with courage. We, too, can learn from his example by living our daily challenges and trials with much trust, faith, and patience. Pope Francis reminds us that 'We will never be disillusioned or lose our way if we are guided by God.' Christ our hope Is risen In these days of the Easter Octave celebrations, the African continent joins in this great feast with gratitude to God for Christ's triumph over death, while still longing for the resurrection experience in her many stories of internal conflicts, insecurity, kidnappings and brutal deaths. These, coupled with poverty, displacements, and socioeconomic hardships, cry out for the Easter redemption. Yet, despite these challenging experiences, the words of Pope Francis give us courage and hope, 'Christ, my hope, has risen! He lives and reigns in glory. Death has been transformed into triumph, and the faith and great hope of Christians rests in this: the resurrection of Christ!' Overcoming in Christ The resurrection of Jesus brings us much hope and strength, for no matter how much pain and suffering we go through in life, we shall overcome because God is always with us. This is the message of hope and healing for the victims and survivors of kidnappings in Nigeria, the displaced persons in Sudan, Ethiopia, and Congo, and those who mourn the loss of their dear ones due to violence and natural disasters in different parts of our African continent. Those who believe in God often come to the realization that it is only by the power of God that they are able to move on in life after such traumatic experiences. Jesus, our Lord, is risen, and in him, we receive grace and strength in our faith journey. Pope Francis reassures us that, 'Indeed, Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, is the heart of our faith and the pledge of our hope in the Father's great promise, already fulfilled in his beloved Son: life eternal (cf. Jn 10:28; 17:3)'
The Star
22-04-2025
- General
- The Star
Nine-day mourning period for Pope Francis begins
The body of Pope Francis is placed in an open casket during the rite of the declaration of death in Santa Marta residence at the Vatican, April 21, 2025. Vatican Media/Handout via REUTERS PETALING JAYA: Catholics across Malaysia have begun a nine-day mourning period for Pope Francis following his passing on Monday at the age of 88. In a Chancery Notice issued by the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur yesterday, Rev Fr Dr Clarence Devadass, the Chancellor of the Archdiocese, expressed profound sorrow and reverence, saying that the Holy Father had been called to 'the eternal embrace of the Father'. 'Pope Francis served faithfully as the Vicar of Christ on earth, dedicating his life to humility, mercy and an unyielding devotion to the Gospel,' he said. Masses celebrated during the Easter Octave across the Archdiocese will include special prayers for the repose of his soul. A condolence book is made available at the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist in Kuala Lumpur, where members of the public are invited to pay their respects between 9am and 6pm daily. Churches have been encouraged to display a portrait of the late Holy Father and to organise public prayers and devotions – including the Rosary and Eucharistic Adoration – in his memory. 'We invite all the faithful – individually, as families and in their communities – to offer heartfelt prayers, uniting with the church worldwide as we commend his soul to God's infinite mercy and love,' he said. Meanwhile, Parti Warisan has conveyed its condolences to the Catholic community over the passing of Francis. Its president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal said the Pope has been known for being a religious leader who promoted a message of peace, unity and harmony, especially in nations of conflict. 'In times where the world is becoming more overwhelmed with social, economic and political conflicts that threaten lives of those of lower and medium income, Pope Francis stood firm in bringing his message of tolerance,' he said in a statement. 'I would also like to convey my deepest condolences to the Catholic community in Malaysia, specifically Sabah and Sarawak,' he added. Shafie hopes Francis' legacy in promoting peace and tolerance will be continued by the future generation. All Catholic churches in Sabah are expected to hold special masses over Francis' passing, but the dates have yet to be set. In Rome, a nine-day official mourning known as the Novendiales is observed.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
All catholic edu institutions remain shut in Mizoram to mourn pope's death
1 2 Aizawl: Catholic educational institutions in the Aizawl diocese remained closed on Tuesday to mourn the passing of Pope Francis, following a communique from Most Rev Stephen Rotluanga, Bishop of Aizawl Diocese. The announcement declared a nine-day mourning period (Novemdiales), as directed by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), in accordance with Catholic traditions upon the death of a pope. The Bishop said it is customary for the church to organise prayer services on the day of the funeral. "If it is a working day, the institutions will organise prayer service for the departed soul of the Supreme Pontiff in the respective institutions," he said. During the mourning period, all institutions will fly their flags, including the Vatican flag, at half-mast, while portraits of Pope Francis will be displayed in local churches and institutions. Faithful members have been encouraged to recite the rosary or divine mercy chaplet for nine consecutive days, he added. The Bishop also announced that a special requiem mass will be held at Christ the King Cathedral Parish in Kulikawn on the day of Pope Francis' funeral. Priests, religious leaders, and all faithful are invited to attend. Christ the King Cathedral, Mizoram's first Catholic parish, was built in 1927, marking a historical significance. Additionally, during the Easter Octave, the church will continue to celebrate daily mass but will omit the Pope's name in Eucharistic prayers until a new Pope is elected. Special prayers for the departed soul will be included, mentioning Pope Francis during the mourning period. On Monday, the Bishop expressed heartfelt condolences on behalf of Mizoram's Catholic community, highlighting Pope Francis' lifelong dedication to God, the church, and uplifting the poor and less fortunate. Born in 1936, Pope Francis inspired Christians worldwide to live with courage, determination, and love.
The Star
22-04-2025
- General
- The Star
Catholics across Malaysia begin nine days of mourning for Pope Francis
PETALING JAYA: Catholics across Malaysia have begun nine days of mourning for Pope Francis, following his death on Monday (April 21) at the age of 88. In a chancery notice issued by the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, archdiocese chancellor Rev Fr Dr Clarence Devadass expressed profound sorrow and reverence, announcing that the Holy Father had been called to 'the eternal embrace of the Father.' 'Pope Francis served faithfully as the Vicar of Christ on earth, dedicating his life to humility, mercy, and an unyielding devotion to the Gospel,' the statement read. Masses celebrated during the Easter Octave across the Archdiocese will include special prayers for the repose of his soul. A condolence book will also be made available at the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist in Kuala Lumpur, where members of the public are invited to pay their respects between 9am and 6pm daily. Churches have been encouraged to display a portrait of the late Holy Father and to organise public prayers and devotions – including the Rosary and Eucharistic Adoration – in his memory. 'We invite all the faithful – individually, as families, and in their communities – to offer heartfelt prayers, uniting with the church worldwide as we commend his soul to God's infinite mercy and love,' the statement read.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Local leaders react to Pope Francis' passing
(WKBN) — Pope Francis, history's first Latin American pontiff who charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor but alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change, died Monday. He was 88. 'At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,″ Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, said in an announcement. Local leaders are offering their condolences and remembering the legacy he leaves behind. The Diocese of Youngstown provided this statement to WKBN 27 First News on the Pope's passing: The news of Pope Francis' death today is a cause of great sadness for the whole Church and certainly for me personally as a bishop chosen by him nearly five years ago. The Holy Father in word and deed brought a pastoral vision to the Church centered in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He reintroduced to us the vocabulary of Jesus that includes such realities as joy, love, hope, mercy, encounter, accompaniment, listening, and compassion. In this Easter Octave we behold the great mystery of our faith that climaxes in the resurrection. May Pope Francis see the face of God today. David J. Bonnar, Bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown First News is speaking with the Bishop, who met Pope Francis, and will have more on his reaction this afternoon. The Diocese will hold a special Mass on Thursday at 7 p.m. in Saint Columba Cathedral to remember Pope Francis. The Diocese of Erie also provided this statement: Pope Francis was a beacon of hope in troubled times, a voice for the voiceless and a tireless advocate for the dignity of every human person. Most Reverand Lawrence T. Persico, Bishop of the Diocese of Erie Persico's full statement can be read here. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine shared a similar sentiment, citing the Pope's devotion to all people. Fran and I are saddened by the death of Pope Francis. He was an inspiration to us and to millions around the world. His genuine love of and devotion to all people – the poor, the unborn, those without a home, those emigrating to build a better life for themselves and their families, those of all faiths, and those with no faith – was evidenced to the world from the day he was selected to serve as Pope until his last public appearance on Easter Sunday. His work directly with the poor was a testament to his life of great humility. And, meeting with children clearly brought him great joy! It gave us the same joy watching him interact with them. He spread the Gospel up until the very end of his life on this Earth, making a special effort to do so on Easter. Pope Francis brought hope to the world through his compassion for all. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro ordered all flags in the commonwealth to be lowered to half-staff until further notice to honor the Pope. Ohio Congressman Michael Rulli (R), who is Catholic, extended his prayers to the Cardinals in his statement. As a Catholic, I am deeply saddened by the passing of Pope Francis early this morning. He was a man who gave his entire life to Christ and His Church, embodying the values taught in the Gospels. The Holy Father practiced what he preached, living a life of simplicity and deep compassion. I will be praying for the Cardinals as they undertake the important task of electing the next Pope. Ohio Congressman Michael Rulli (R) Fellow Catholic and Pennsylvania Congressman Mike Kelly (R) expressed similar feelings. Today, I join my fellow Catholics in mourning the loss of Pope Francis. Throughout his papacy, he symbolized and championed peace and a better world for all. May we continue the Pope's mission in our daily live. Pennsylvania Congressman Mike Kelly Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
