Ferrao calls for tolling of bells, requiem Masses

Panaji: The Archbishop of Goa, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, who is also head of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), has called upon all dioceses, parishes, religious communities, and families to observe nine days of mourning and to offer special prayers and requiem Masses for the repose of Pope Francis’ soul.

“As a visible sign of our grief, church bells should be tolled to signify our sorrow and announce the passing away of our supreme pontiff,” said Ferrao. “Wherever possible and considering local circumstances, I urge all dioceses to gather priests, religious, and lay faithful at the Cathedral, on a suitable day, to offer a requiem Mass uniting in prayer for the eternal repose of our beloved Holy Father. This will be an expression of our profound solidarity with the universal Church,” he stated.

“Pope Francis held a special love for India and longed to visit our land. He consistently reminded us of our duty to care for the poor and to build a synodal Church,” said Ferrao. Pope Francis canonised five Indian Saints — St Kuriakose Elias Chavara and St Euphrasia Eluvathingal on Nov 23, 2014, St Joseph Vaz on Jan 14, 2015, St Mariam Thresia Chiramel on Oct 13, 2019, and St Devasahayam Pillai on May 15, 2022.

Ferrao said he is profoundly saddened at the passing away of Pope Francis, who was an “inspiring and compassionate shepherd of the Church”. “His unwavering commitment to the Church and his dynamic endeavours in promoting peace, inter-religious dialogue, social justice, and care for creation will be long remembered and cherished,” he said.