Tuesday, March 19 2013

ROMAN Catholic faithful around the world were glued to their television sets this morning to watch the official installation of Pope Francis during the inauguration mass held at half past four this morning, local time, at St Peter’s Square, Rome.

Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Nicola Girasoli; Archbishop of Port-of-Spain Joseph Harris and Rev Mike James, general secretary of the Antilles Episcopal Conference, yesterday told Newsday they would be joining tens of millions watching Pope Francis’ installation. The installation took place on a significant day for the Roman Catholic Church — the Feast of St Joseph — which is a Vatican holiday as St Joseph is the patron of the universal church.

“Not only is St Joseph’s Day the only big feast before Easter, but he (St Joseph) is the patron of the Universal Church and the Pope is the protector of the Church,” said Archbishop Harris.

According to Harris, he was waiting expectantly to hear the new Pope’s revelations about his plans and wishes for the Church.

However, Harris did not expect any Caribbean church officials to attend today’s mass as all bishops were in their respective countries.

James too believed the choice to hold the mass on St Joseph’s Day was “interesting.” He noted Joseph was the husband of Mary, Jesus’ mother, and Joseph was never quoted as saying anything in the bible. However, he said, Joseph acted by taking care of the child Jesus.

“He (Joseph) served and followed and I think that is very symbolic. In addition, one of the names of the Pope is the Servant of the Servants of God. I think that this new Pope will follow the example of Jesus in being a servant rather than being served, as he seems to be such a humble person,” stated James.