The pope made his last tweet at 6:15 a.m. Sunday, less than 24 hours ago for Resurrection Sunday.
SAN ANTONIO — After a very active Easter weekend, the Catholic community in San Antonio has to move forward after the death of Pope Francis. Many in the San Antonio community have been praying for his health since the winter.
The San Fernando Cathedral was the site Friday for the Passion of Christ and is now a site for people to pay their respects to Pope Francis.
The Archdioceses of San Antonio released this statement Monday morning:
“Let us pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis. The faithful of the Church of San Antonio have prayed for him constantly; for his physical health and well as spiritual strength to sustain him in his Petrine Ministry,” said Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS. “We are eternally grateful to the Holy Father for his emphasis on Synodal dialogues, which continue locally as well as at the Vatican. We know this is the style God wants us to go; to listen to the Holy Spirit. It is our desire that the Spirit and Synodality light the flame of renewal in our evangelical outreach and unite ever more strongly His pilgrim Church on earth.”
“We were inspired by the Holy Father’s advocacy for migrants globally and of his commitment to provide services and minister to all of God’s children. He emphasized that in welcoming the stranger we are welcoming Christ (Matthew 25:35). He worked for the conversion of hearts and minds, to create a culture and practice of hospitality in receiving migrants.”
“The vicar of Christ meditated constantly on the parable of the Good Samaritan, which he had cited in his encyclical letter “Fratelli tutti,” calling us to remember the Scripture passage from Matthew 25:40: “And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’”
“From St. Peter, the first pope, and the unbroken line of his successors, we are in unity. I invite the people of God and all people of goodwill to pray at this time for the holy Catholic Church. I will soon remember in a special way Pope Francis at English and Spanish liturgies at San Fernando Cathedral, and information regarding these Masses for the Holy Father will be forthcoming. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May the soul of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.”
The pope made his last tweet at 6:15 a.m. Sunday, less than 24 hours ago for Resurrection Sunday.
It says, “Christ is risen. These words capture the entire meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life.”
We spoke with Archbishop Gustavo Garcia Siller about the meaning of Holy Week and he provided a reminder how people who believe in God can move forward together.
“What are we going to do with all of this pain and suffering?,” said Archbishop Gustavo Garcia Siller.” All these injustices. All this nonsense. How are we going to navigate with this and Jesus say I am the way the truth and the life and to he did it out of love for us.”
After Easter, celebrations are supposed to last 50 days until Pentecost.
With the passing of Pope Francis, we can expect services and crowds at San Fernando Cathedral honoring his life.
Other churches and organizations have also expressed condolences at the news. Fr. Fidele O. Dikete from St. John Burchman’s Catholic Church posted the following statement:
“I am saddened to inform you that our beloved Pope Francis has died at the age of 88. Pope Francis was a very humble servant of the Lord. He will be remembered as a true shepherd who can smell his sheep. I was honored to have been in his presence several times during our pilgrimages to Rome, Italy. We pray for Pope Francis to rest in peace and ask God to guide the process in electing the new Pope and our spiritual leader.
May God continue to bless our Roman Catholic Church.”
Central Catholic High School also posted a tribute to Pope Francis:
“Eternal God, you are the shepherd of your Church, and you have entrusted your flock to your servant, Pope Francis. We give thanks for his faithful service and for the years he served as the shepherd of your Church.
Now, as he enters into your eternal glory, we humbly ask for your mercy and forgiveness. Grant him eternal rest, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rejoice in your presence forever.
We also pray for the Church, for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and for the grace to discern your will as we embark on this new chapter. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.
May almighty God bless us with his peace and strength, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Catholic Charities also posted condolences for the loss.
Today we mourn the passing of Pope Francis, who reminded us that true greatness is found in serving others. May we honor his legacy by choosing compassion, kindness, and selfless love each day.
St. Lawrence Catholic Church posted the following:
We are deeply saddened to hear the news of passing away of His Holiness Pope Francis, the head of Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City, who has inspired millions across the world. May he rest in peace.