PANAJI
Describing Pope Benedict XVI, who passed away on Saturday, as a towering intellectual, a deeply holy and humble person and a zealous Pastor who was eager to spread the message of the Gospel to the ends of the world, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão said he will be remembered as one of the greatest theologians of the 20th century.
In his condolence message, Cardinal Ferrão said the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman is deeply grieved by the passing away of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at the Vatican.
“Pope Benedict XVI was a towering intellectual, a deeply holy and humble person and a zealous Pastor who was eager to spread the message of the Gospel to the ends of the world,” said Cardinal Ferrão.
“He will be remembered as one of the greatest theologians of the 20th century. Unmatched scholarliness, fine gentlemanliness and a constant desire to grow in holiness characterised the life and the ministry of this great Pope.”
“A man of strong convictions on vital theological and moral issues, he possessed the strength to stand by the teachings of the Church, even in the face of fierce opposition.”
“After he tendered his resignation as Pope almost ten years ago, surprising the whole world, he did what he said he would: he prayed for the Church and thus continued to serve the Church in silence,” Cardinal Ferrão added.
“We pray, together with the Universal Church, that God may grant him eternal peace and joy. At the same time, we thank the same God for the gifts He bestowed on this great Shepherd, who guided the Catholic Church in really challenging times.”
Solemn Pontifical Mass in Cathedral on Jan 5
All Parish Churches, Chapels to toll bells, offer Masses, prayersPANAJI: Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão has said a Solemn Pontifical Mass will be celebrated in the Cathedral Church at Old Goa on the day of the Funeral of Pope Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI on January 5 at 4.30 pm.
He added that the Mass will be celebrated with the participation of the Faithful, the Religious, the Clergy and also, possibly, of members of other faiths who would like to associate themselves on the solemn occasion.
The offices of the Archbishop’s House and of other Diocesan Centres and Bodies will remain closed on the day of the Funeral and the Papal Flag will be flown at half mast in the Archbishop’s House, until the day of the funeral.
In a separate notice to all parish priests and chaplains in the Archdiocese, Chancellor Fr Romeo Monteiro has stated that all Parish Churches and Chapels are to toll the bells on Saturday, Sunday and on the day of the Funeral Celebration (January 5) as a mark of respect and call to prayer for the eternal repose of the deceased Pontiff.
“Every Parish is also to offer special prayers and a Mass in suffrage of the departed Pope. The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman thanks the Lord for the gift of Pope Benedict XVI, a humble servant in the vineyard of the Lord, who exercised the Petrine Ministry at the service of the Church from April 19, 2005, till February 28, 2013.”
PM, CM offer condolences
PANAJI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and other leaders have expressed their condolences on the demise of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
“Saddened by the passing away of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who devoted his entire life to the Church and the teachings of Lord Christ. He will be remembered for his rich service to society. My thoughts are with the millions around the world who grieve his passing,” stated PM Modi in a tweet.
In his tweet, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant added: “Saddened by the demise of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. He devoted his life to the Church and teachings of Christ. My heartfelt condolences.”
BJP State President Sadanand Shet Tanavade also offered his deepest condolences on the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
