Memorial Service for Pope Francis: Saturday 26 April 5pm OLQP

Hi everyone.
Pope Francis Memorial Service at the OLQP Gladesville Saturday 5 pm Vigil Mass
The sad news of Pope Francis' death reached us all on Easter Monday evening, just when it seemed he was recovering 'slowly but surely' from the severe pneumonia which almost killed him three weeks prior. I personally had hoped he might be allowed to see out the Jubilee Year in Rome, especially with so many people organised for pilgrimages during this special time, but that was not to be.

Pope Francis went back to the Father in true pastoral style, 'with his boots on', actively tending to his flock and with the "smell of the sheep" clinging to him so lovingly. That is something I truly admire about Pope Francis, and something we should all appreciate about him, in the difficult role he has filled for the last 12 years or so.

His funeral will be held in St. Peter's Square this Saturday April 26 2025 at 10 am (6 pm Sydney time). I propose that we dedicate the usual 5 pm Saturday Night Vigil Mass at OLQP Gladesville as a Memorial Service for Pope Francis. That will allow for anyone wishing to watch the Funeral Mass to get back in time for the start of the televised Mass.

We could even screen the Funeral Mass from 6 pm onwards downstairs in either the Gell Room or the Mary MacKillop Room, depending on numbers.

God bless you all in the meantime,

Fr. Greg