(Host) Vermont Catholics paid tribute to the late Pope John Paul the Second in a special memorial Mass held in Burlington today.
VPR’s Steve Zind reports.
(Angell) “Let us proclaim the mystery of faith.”
(Zind) Bishop Kenneth Angell of the Burlington Diocese led the Catholic faithful and representatives of other denominations in the morning Mass at St. Joseph’s Co-cathedral. White Easter Lilies in full bloom stood in front of the altar table where Angell waved the burning censer at the start of the service.
Pope John Paul the Second was remembered in song, prayer and readings from scripture.
(Angell) Where, O death is your victory? Where, O death is your sting?”
(Zind) In his homily, Angell compared Catholics mourning the Pope’s death to the disciples after Christ’s death – quoting their words from the gospels.
(Angell) “Were not our hearts burning within us as the Holy Father spoke to us on our pilgrim way.”
(Zind) Angell said John Paul proclaimed the Church’s teachings to the world and inspired all Catholics to do the same.
(Angell) “He broke open the scriptures for us so that the Church might better be able to respond to the modern world. He did not want us to shy away from the challenges of the world, but to set out into the deep and proclaim a new evangelization.”
(Zind) In less than two weeks at this cathedral, Angell will officiate at the ordination of his successor, Monsignor Salvatore Matano.
For Vermont Public Radio, I’m Steve Zind in Burlington.