Chiswick's Catholic Community Mourns Pope

Other denominations express sorrow and send condolences

As the largest funeral in modern history took place in Rome on this windy, cold Friday morning, Chiswick’s Catholics joined the millions around the world mourning the death Pope John Paul II.

Monsignor James Curry, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Grace & St Edwards, stated in a message to his parishioners “The Church will miss him, the world will miss him, I will miss him”. These words of Cardinal Murphy O’Connor, our Archbishop, echoed the thoughts of so many. Tributes have been paid by Statesmen, Sovereigns and people who merely caught a glimpse of him. The good and the great came to join in his funeral and millions came to say goodbye. The late Pope said “do not weep for me, but pray with and for me”, and over these last few days and the days to come people have been and will continue to do that. He was a source of strength and hope for so many. His eyes were fixed always on the master that he served, Jesus Christ. We pray that God will now reward him for his faithfulness and grant him eternal peace and happiness.”

He went on to thank Fr. Patrick Tuft of St. Nicholas, Chiswick, Fr. John Willmington of St. Michael’s Acton, Reverend Jim Dainty of Christ Church, Turnham Green, Reverend Nicholas Fincham of St. Michael’s, Elmwood Road, and their communities and those who have joined in personally or sent messages of condolence and support.

The parish celebrated a Requiem mass on Thursday evening for the repose of the soul of Pope John Paul II and in thanksgiving for his life and witness. The liturgy was solemn not sad, solemn because his death marks the end of an era, so many of us cannot remember another Pope; but not sad because it is a celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

“Jesus Christ was the Rock of John Paul’s 84 earthly years, 58 years as a priest, and 26 years as Bishop of Rome. Life will be different without him. We must continue to pray for his soul and to remember him with thanksgiving.” Said Monsignor Curry

This Monday will mark the end of the official nine day period of mourning and a special Mass will be celebrated at 5.30pm in Westminster Cathedral by the Auxiliary Bishops and priests of the diocese and to which all parishioners are invited.

April 8, 2005