Memorial Mass in Oakland
for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis
will be celebrated at
the Cathedral of Christ the Light
this Saturday April 26th
at the 5:00pm Vigil Mass
Together with the whole Church we in the Diocese of Oakland mourn the passing of our Holy Father Pope Francis. He was unique among popes: One of a kind. He will be forever known as “The Pope of Mercy.” He called for a “Holy Year of Mercy” in 2016 which inspired an outpouring of charitable works and led to the reconciliation of thousands of Catholics with the Lord. May Pope Francis rest in peace. And may the angels lead him into paradise.
– Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ
My Dear Sisters and Brothers,
The death of Pope Francis leaves you and me with bitter sweet feelings. We grieve at his passing, but we are also grateful for the blessing he was for us during his pontificate.
Pope Francis embraced the foundational truths of our Catholic Faith. Mercy rather than judgement, humility rather than arrogance, forgiveness rather than condemnation, courage rather than fear and most importantly, compassion rather than indifference.
Pope Francis reminded us that some of the reforms promulgated at the Second Vatican are still unfinished. His vision of the synodal Church will hopefully one day be the guiding principle of our self-governance.
Pope Francis’ legacy is highlighted in two passages from Saint Matthew’s Gospel:
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor yourself.”
(Matthew 22:34-40)
“What you do for the least of your brothers and sisters, you do for me.”
(Matthew 25:40)
Providentially, this weekend our Universal Church Family celebrates the Divine Mercy of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I can’t think of a more appropriate way for you and I to commemorate the life of Pope Francis than to come together in celebration of his life.
Love,
Fr. Leo
