Message from Bishop Robert Vasa
My Dear People of the Diocese of Santa Rosa,
Since Pope Francis’ poor health was a topic of news for weeks, we were all surprised, but not extremely shocked, by the word of his death. Father Moses Brown, at the Cathedral, has set up a Mass for the Repose of the soul of Pope Francis on Monday, April 28 at 6:00 PM. Unfortunately, I will be out of town that day and will not preside at that Mass, but I encourage as many as possible to join in that Mass for Pope Francis. Masses have also been arranged for a variety of places in the Diocese such as Eureka and Fort Bragg. Others are still being arranged.
I would add that many have expressed their grief at the death of Pope Francis and many more have offered prayers for the repose of his soul. I and the priests of the Diocese will offer multiple Masses for him in the coming days.
I was struck by the words of Archbishop Emeritus of Philadelphia, Archbishop Charles Chaput who said: “It should first be noted that Pope Francis was a man who highlighted the plight of the poor and a call for the Church to be a simple witness to the universal community to which we all belong. We should be grateful for this legacy. It is too easy for many of us to be caught up in the trappings of modern culture, with its distractions and self-focus. May we take his love for the poor and material simplicity seriously.”
The Diocese will pray diligently for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis and then, in union with the Universal Church, will also gather in prayer for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in the work of electing the next Pope.
God bless. +RFV