The Catholic Diocese of Dallas is planning a rosary vigil and memorial Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, lead by Bishop Burns and Bishop Kelly.
DALLAS — Hearts were heavy outside the Cathedral Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Dallas Monday. Some of the area’s faithful were deep in prayer as they waited outside the church.
“I feel sad,” said Esmeralda Munoz.
Catholic residents are among those praying through and reflecting on the recent passing of Pope Benedict XVI.
“He in this moment is in the sky,” said Munoz.
The Roman Catholic Church is preparing for the former pontiff’s funeral mass. Pope Emeritus Benedict the XVI died on Saturday at age 95. Thousands of mourners are now lining up at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City to pay their last respects before Thursday’s funeral mass.
University of Dallas students, John Reynolds and Emma Holland, are also reflecting on the former Pope’s passing.
“Overall, Benedict was just highly influential in his thought, and one of the most brilliant thinkers of his day. And clearly had a passion to just spread the love of Christ,” said Reynolds.
Many Catholics say the German born Pope will be remembered for his conservative leadership of the church and for becoming the first pontiff in 600 years to resign.
However, Holland said it’s how Pope Benedict touched others that sticks with her.
“How he influenced the church and brought truth and love to the center of all that he did,” said Holland.
On Thursday, the world will see, for the first time in modern history, a current pope presiding over his predecessor’s funeral mass.
Pope Francis was appointed as Head of the Catholic Church after Benedict’s resignation in 2013.
“We truly do mourn the loss of a good, dedicated, and committed shepherd,” Bishop Edward J Burns said in a recorded message to the faithful.
While services are being planned overseas, Burns and other clergy in the Catholic Diocese of Dallas will lead services.
A vigil rosary will be held Jan. at 6:30 p.m. at the Cathedral Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The rosary will be held in English and Spanish. A memorial mass at the Cathedral is also scheduled for Jan. 5 at noon.