Friday, March 1 2013

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AWAIT FINAL ADDRESS: A youth holds a flag as she waits for the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI to address the faithful for the last time yesterday upon a...

MEMBERS of the religious community joined the many Catholics around the world who viewed via television Pope Benedict XVI’s last day as he transitioned from leader to “pilgrim.” Fr Anton Dick of the Holy Ghost Fathers community said it was the end of an era “so solemnly and beautifully done. Benedict has done it in a wonderful way. His last message had such loving content. The sad part is not seeing him again.”

Referring to the closure of the wooden doors at the main entrance of Castel Gandolfo, where the man who will now have the title Pope Emeritus will reside for the next two months, Dick said “he does not want to be in the public eye again. The sad part is he is also alive but he will not speak to us again,” said Fr Anton.

Provincal Leader of the sisters of St Joseph of Cluny Sr Annetta Alexander said the nuns were also saddened. “It is difficult to accept the fact that one has to give up before time but it was a brave act on his part.” She said the “worry now” will be who will replace Benedict.

Archbishop Joseph Harris was at the Lenten retreat at Sacred Heart RC Port-of-Spain yesterday and he called on the congregation to pray for Benedict and for the Church.