AUGUSTA – The church bell tolled at St. Mary’s of the Assumption on Saturday afternoon as early-arriving Roman Catholic parishioners stepped in out of the rain for the 4 p.m. Mass.
Not all knew that Pope John Paul II had died at the age of 84.
“There’ll never be another one with the capacity that man had to bring together so many people of different faiths and religions,” said Annette Malone, 83, of Augusta.
The Diocese of Portland urged pastors to toll bells to mark the pope’s death and said that on Monday night Bishop Richard Malone would celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland for the repose of his soul.
Diocesan officials said a period of official mourning would extend for nine days and that the bishop would also celebrate Mass on the day of the pope’s funeral at the Saints Peter and Paul Basilica in Lewiston.
“We are deeply saddened at the loss of this courageous prophet of truth and hope. At the same time, because we believe that at death, life is not ended but merely changed, we rejoice in the hope of eternal life that inspired his life and ministry as the Church’s universal shepherd. His legacy will be remembered until the end of time. May Pope John Paul II rest in joy and peace,” the bishop said in a statement.
At St. Mary’s, music director Kathy Brooks said a special Mass would be said Tuesday night.
“John Paul II as a spiritual leader had a great impact on the Catholic Church and on human rights for all,” Gov. John Baldacci said in a statement.
“His grace touched millions as he traveled the globe to reach out to people. He fought against oppression, war, hunger and poverty around the world, and brought hope and peace to many. John Paul II transcended his role as leader of Catholics and became a leader for all peoples,” Baldacci said.
Among others expressing sorrow was Sen. Olympia Snowe.
“With the passing of Pope John Paul II, a light in the world has gone dark. We have lost one of our most deeply respected and admired religious leaders who sought nothing less than to improve the plight of all people. His overwhelming compassion transcended religion, politics and national boundaries,” Snowe said in a statement.
U.S. Rep. Tom Allen said, “Today, I join billions of all faiths and all backgrounds worldwide who mourn the passing of Pope John Paul II and celebrate his life. Humanity has lost a champion whose dynamic leadership and moral example inspired people regardless of religious affiliation around the world.
“Pope John Paul II died as he had lived, with courage and grace and with the spiritual well-being of his congregation foremost in his heart. World leaders sought out the humble priest from Wadowice, Poland for his counsel and his blessing. Yet this globe-trotting People’s Pope’ remained above all else, the good shepherd to his flock,” Allen said in a statement.
U.S. Rep. Michael H. Michaud said, “I was greatly saddened to learn of the death of Pope John Paul II. The Pope has been an inspiration to millions, and a true leader in our time. As a Catholic, I have been touched by the Pope’s message of devotion to God and duty to our fellow human beings, and I have been moved by the depth of his faith – perhaps never more so than in recent months as he fought to overcome his final illness.
“ Over the 26 years of his papacy, Pope John Paul II’s consistent stand on behalf of justice and freedom influenced the end of the cold war and the fall of communism behind the Iron Curtain. His courage in the face of the assasination attempt in 1981 inspired the faithful around the world, as did his many trips to foreign lands to spread his message of peace and hope,” Allen said in a statement.
“ I join with the world in mourning John Paul, praying for his soul, and knowing that his legacy will never be forgotten.”
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