A special Mass was held Saturday afternoon at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception to pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis.
The Very Rev. Samuel Morehead, rector of the Cathedral Basilica, presided over the service which emphasized the Church’s mission of unity during times of mourning.
Father Morehead noted that rituals such as a funeral Mass are means for Catholics globally to connect, expressing, “In this moment of worldwide mourning, and with the confusion or sorrow that might come from any death, the Church provides us with a means of access to God’s grace in her funeral rites and in every celebration of the Mass.”
He underscored the importance of community during this grieving period, saying, “At once, we can pray for the soul of the pope, as we can also pray for ourselves, the world and the Church in a time of transition.”
The Mass allowed the faithful to join together as they sought to find solace in God’s presence and each other through shared prayers and rituals.
Reflecting on Pope Francis’ influence in local communities, Father Morehead remarked, “Pope Francis was, at his best, a conversation starter. He got us starting new conversations about God, ourselves, and the necessary place of the Catholic faith in the modern world.”
During his homily, he highlighted the universal nature of the Catholic Church, noting how people from around the world came together in Rome to honor the late pope’s life and legacy.
Cardinals from distant countries gathered together, representing a rich tapestry of faith within the Church, further emphasizing the global solidarity among Catholics.
He expressed a deep pride in witnessing this unity across the world, remarking, “From Rome to Denver, it is beautiful to see the multifaceted expanse of the Church brought together in unity as the one Body of Christ, the family of God, able to overcome so many otherwise painful divisions.”
A memorial for Pope Francis was set up at the Cathedral Basilica, where many faithful gathered in prayer.
Cardinal Stafford, along with Father Morehead and other clergy, participated in leading the Mass.
The memorial drew attendees from across the Denver metro area, including those visiting from out of town.
Holly Hoffmann, a PhD student at Boston College, took time away from a conference to attend the Mass, feeling compelled to pray with the Church for Pope Francis.
“As a spiritual director in the Ignatian tradition, I wanted to come and pray with the Church today for Pope Francis, the first Jesuit Pope,” Hoffmann said.
She felt particularly moved by the homily’s call for compassion and communication during the Jubilee Year.
Attendees Yubi Umila Bond and her husband Kyrique also participated to pay their respects.
Having grown up Catholic, Yubi expressed gratitude for the opportunity to attend the Mass, saying, “The service was beautiful! The cathedral was packed with people, all who were reminded of the hope we have in the future and how the faith of ordinary people can make an impact in the lives of others.”
Kyrique added their presence was unexpectedly heartwarming, emphasizing the camaraderie and honor extended to the late pope.
Reilly DeMara shared her reflections on the pope’s welcoming nature and openness during his papacy, expressing, “He was very hopeful, very open in trying to welcome into the Church and it was really beautiful.”
Father Morehead expressed his admiration for Pope Francis, often finding comfort in the straightforward and loving nature of his teachings.
One poignant aspect he recalled was the pope’s gentle reminder of the importance of grandmothers praying the Rosary, a sentiment that struck a personal chord with him.
He urged parishioners to embrace both their emotional and spiritual responses to the late pope’s passing.
“It is natural and necessary to grieve the loss of a beloved leader, and it is important to allow space for sorrow,” he said, reminding the faithful to also entrust the Church and the world to the Holy Spirit’s perfect love.
Father Morehead reflected on how he would remember Pope Francis’ legacy, specifically highlighting the impact the pope had on his ministry.
He recalled being ordained a priest during the final years of Pope Benedict’s papacy, but noted that most of his years in service were influenced by Pope Francis’ teachings.
His first encyclical on Faith and the Year of Mercy were particularly memorable, along with the pope’s writings on the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The call for forward-thinking and love remained strong, as Father Morehead encouraged the faithful to pray for the Church’s future and the cardinals who will elect the next Pope.
He hoped the Church would continue to uphold the legacy of Pope Francis by embodying compassion and love in their interactions with others.
“We must strive to meaningfully listen to others, in all of the varied circumstances and experiences of their very different lives,” he advised, reinforcing the importance of charity in their outreach.
To conclude, Father Morehead expressed the need for Catholics to humbly seek God’s guidance while boldly sharing Christ’s messages in transformative ways.
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