CATHOLICS in Limerick prayed in silence as 88 bells rang out from St Mary’s Church, Athlunkard, to mark the death of Pope Francis, each sound of the church bell signifying each year of the Pope’s life.
The bells were rung following 10am mass this Tuesday morning as parishioners, led by Fr Richard Davern, reflected the 88-year-old pontiff’s passing.
Outside the church, the flag of the Vatican City flew at half mast in memory of the Pope.
Easter flowers and a framed photograph of Pope Francis were erected inside the church as a mark of respect.
Shortly before 2pm, the Catholic primate of all-Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin, and the Archbishop of Dublin, Dermot Farrell, led an impromptu prayer service ahead of formally opening a book of condolences.
“Over the next few days, I imagine many people will come here just to sign their names because I think we all loved Pope Francis and he was a great witness to us,” said Archbishop Martin.
“Even in the last few months with his own illness and being able to carry that suffering and show resilience in the face of suffering. I know it meant a lot to a lot of people who were like him, frail and maybe struggling and suffering in their final days.
“He was very, very convinced that God was merciful and he kept saying that ‘I am sinner’. So I am just hoping and praying that the merciful God today is welcoming him into his heavenly home.”
An Irish Cardinal, Kevin Farrell, from Drimnagh, Dublin, who announced the Pope’s death on Easter Monday, is now the acting head of the Vatican and will run the Catholic Church until a new Pope is elected.
