Fall River Bishop Edgar da Cunha Shares Reflection on the Passing of Pope Francis

As news of Pope Francis passing spread across the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River on Monday morning parishioners gathered in churches to pray mourn and remember the legacy of a man countless say redefined the papacy with humility compassion and inclusivity Pope Francis the th pontiff and the first from the Americas died at a m on April according to Cardinal Kevin Farrell of the Apostolic Chamber He had been struggling with strength complications following a prolonged respiratory illness Despite these challenges he had remained evolving appearing in population just one day prior on Easter Sunday Source CapeCod com A Humble Servant and Symbol of Inclusion Local Catholics shared personal reflections on the Pope s impact Carl Sawejko of Swansea recalled Pope Francis emphasis on compassion He transcended religion Sawejko disclosed He welcomed everyone and never condemned others especially in his encouragement for marginalized communities including the LGBTQ population Maria Vieira of Dartmouth announced she admired the Pope s humility and kindness He truly thought in caring for one another no matter who you were or where you came from she reported As an immigrant I was especially touched by his consistent concern for refugees and transients Voices from the Portuguese Catholic Society At Our Lady of Carmel Church in New Bedford members of the Portuguese-speaking group expressed their sorrow Manuel and Maria Amelia Tavares who attended early morning Mass remembered the Pope as someone beloved around the world This is very essential to me in my heart Rest in peace stated Maria age Bishop Edgar M da Cunha of the Diocese of Fall River who met Pope Francis twice once at World Youth Day in and again during an Ad Limina visit in called his encounters unforgettable He was deeply spiritual humble and thoughtful declared Bishop da Cunha He answered each question patiently like a true brother among us A Time of Mourning and Hope The news has stirred deep emotions throughout the Fall River Diocese It s sad but it s also a time to remember that as Christians we believe death is a transition to eternal life explained Father Riley J Williams of Holy Name Church Parishioner Karl Kern echoed that view saying He has reached his glory Deacon Chris Paul described the Pope as a spiritual father to the Church It s hard to say goodbye he commented but we re grateful for all he gave us Parishioner Nancy Leary explained she hoped the Church would honor Pope Francis legacy of mercy and amendment Her husband Michael Leary expressed shock saying the Pope seemed to be recovering Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina Pope Francis was a Jesuit priest known for advocating for the poor the atmosphere and Church amendment Elected in his leadership will be remembered for its compassion humility and courage