By Len Ojorgu
The Catholic Archdiocese of Calabar on Tuesday, 22 April, 2025, celebrated a Holy Mass for the happy repose of the soul of His Holiness, Pope Francis.
In his opening remarks, the Chief Celebrant, the Archbishop of Calabar, Most Rev. Joseph Effiong Ekuwem, represented by the Vicar General, Very Rev Father Charles Okon Etim, welcomed the entire Catholic faithful of the Archdiocese to the Mass which took place at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Egerton, Calabar.
Fr. Etim urged the worshippers to join the universal Church and people of goodwill all over the world in praying for the happy repose of the Supreme Pontiff.
In his homily, the Chairman of the presbyteral council, Very Rev. Father Emmanuel Orok Duke, described the death of Pope Francis as a huge loss, since he was a special gift from God to the Church.”
He noted that the Holy Father was very outstanding and committed to his pastoral duties as the Chief Shepherd and head of the universal Church, notably, in his humble services to the poor and the marginalized of the society, and especially, in his crusades for peace and reconciliation in war-torn areas of the world, amongst others.
The homilist expressed optimism that the Pope had finally gone to be with God, having run a good race and fought a good fight, as could be attested to by his resilience in the face of challenging health conditions during his pontificate, which he described as a period in which ”he was tested and purified by the cross of sickness.” He called on the people of God to continue to pray for the repose of his soul.
The Mass was attended by Priests, Religious and the Lay Faithful of Calabar Archdiocese.
Pope Francis died at the age of 88.
Editing by CSN Media
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