Hobart community gathers in prayer at Requiem Mass for Pope Francis

By Josh Low

With the Catholic Church around the world mourning the death of Pope Francis, the local Catholic community also gathered at Hobart’s St Mary’s Cathedral late last month in prayer.

A Solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Julian for the repose of the soul of the late Holy Father on Monday 28 April – the third day of the ‘novemdiales’ (nine days of mourning).

Archbishop Emeritus Adrian Doyle and 20 priests from across the Archdiocese were present to concelebrate the Mass.

In attendance was Senator of Tasmania, the Hon Jonathan Duniam, State Opposition Leader, the Hon Dean Winter MP, and the Hon Madeleine Ogilvie MP representing the Premier.

In his homily, Archbishop Julian reflected on Pope Francis’ life and pontificate.

“As we reflect on his life, what is in evidence is that he looked to the example of Christ as his model. In this, Pope Francis was a great witness to the world,” he said.

Looking back at the night of Pope Francis’ election, Archbishop Julian pointed out the Holy Father’s request to pray for him; one he repeated often.

“Often, he repeated this request, “pray for me”. He said it to me more than once.

“So, our Mass this evening was a wonderful opportunity to respond to his request, as we prayed for the repose of his soul,” he said.

Among those in attendance was Southern Cross Care Tasmania CEO, Esteban Cox, who knew the Holy Father personally, having been a past parishioner of his in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Esteban said that as he sat there at the Requiem Mass, memories came flooding back of the time he spent with the man then known as Monsignor Jorge Bergoglio.

Having gotten to know him through volunteering at the parish in the 1990s and sharing a passion for the same football club, San Lorenzo, Esteban described him as “an absolutely humble man with a big heart”.

“It was funny. When watching games, it was like he would forget he is a priest and just became another passionate supporter.

“As a parish priest, he was pretty open and receptive – I went to confession there with him… he always made himself available to genuinely listen to people who came to him for help.

“What he used to say a lot is, ‘Be grateful for what you’ve got, not what you don’t have yet,’ reminding us that sometimes you can live a superficial life, trying to get more and more, worried for things you do not have, rather than being grateful for what you already have.”

“He also would remind us that we all have an ‘expiry date’, and to live good lives in the present.

“His good sense of humour really attracted many people,” he said.

Esteban added that despite not seeing him in person for more than 20 years, Pope Francis’ passing left him sad, and requiring a few days to process the news.

“It felt like a friend’s gone. We had a close relationship over that period in the parish. Yeah, it was like losing a friend, quite frankly.”

Emily Curak was in Year 6 when Pope Francis was announced pope in 2013, with him serving as the Roman Pontiff for around half her life.

“I was saddened by his passing,” she said. “Death is always confronting initially. I said a prayer for him and felt that God would care for His servant.”

“The Requiem Mass was beautiful to partake in. It was reverent yet simple just as Pope Francis would have wanted.

“To be surrounded by so many people praying for the same intention is very powerful, and it helps you feel God’s presence in the church.

“Pope Francis established human connections without bias getting in the way, embodying Jesus with the sinners and tax collectors of our modern day.

“That’s what I will hold onto most about him; his ability to see beyond sin and focus on the thing that unites us all – being a child of God,” she said.

Jack McKenzie was another attendee at the Requiem Mass and said his reaction when hearing of the Pope’s passing was a combination of surprise and sadness.

“I was very much touched by Pope Francis’ kindness and his love for the people, so I was sad to hear of his death and felt moved to pray for him.

“As the earthly shepherd of the Church and one of her sources of unity, I felt it was important to honour the Pope by attending the Requiem Mass and to join with the Church in formally praying for his soul.

“His generosity of spirit left a mark on the world which is clear from the outpouring of love and appreciation.

“When we arrived my fiancée and I remarked at how many people were there; it was clear that his passing had a great impact not only internationally but here in Hobart too.

“The Mass was a beautiful way to pray for and pay tribute to Pope Francis in communion with millions doing the same throughout the world.”