The Archdiocese of Port of Spain joined the rest of the universal Church in mourning the death of Pope John Paul II on April 2, starting with the Saturday evening Masses for Divine Mercy Sunday and continuing during the week.

From Monday evening a large picture of the late Holy Father adorned with white flowers was placed in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and the faithful as well as the general public were invited to sign the books of condolences (IN PHOTO LEFT) During the course of the week special Masses were celebrated at 5.00 p.m. at the Cathedral and the Blessed Sacrament was exposed for adoration.

Archbishop Gilbert was the chief celebrant on Monday, Msgr Esau Joseph, Episcopal Vicar for the Suburban Vicariate, on Tuesday. On Wednesday the special Requiem Mass was celebrated at which Archbishop Gilbert presided.

On Thursday, Fr Peter de la Bastide, Vicar for the Eastern Vicariate was chief celebrant, and on Friday, Msgr Christian Pereira presided.

Archbishop Gilbert and Nuncio Archbishop Thomas E Gullickson at the Requiem Mass

In Tobago the special Mass in celebration of the life of Pope John Paul II was due to be celebrated on Friday at 5.30 p.m. and on Monday, April 11 at 6.00 p.m. the parishes of the Southern Vicariate will come together at St Benedict's, La Romaine to celebrate a Mass to mark the end of the official nine days of mourning for Pope John Paul II. The Episcopal Vicar (South), Fr Stephen Doyle OP will preside. A condolence book will be opened at the church for those who may wish to sign in the Southern Vicariate.

Next week's Catholic News will carry local and regional responses, as well as more memories of the pope's visit to Trinidad in 1985.

The Requiem Mass in celebration of the life of Pope John Paul II was held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Wednesday, April 6, at 5 p.m.

President George Maxwell Richards is welcomed to the cathedral for the Requiem Mass by Msgr Esau Joseph

The chief celebrant was Archbishop Edward Gilbert, and concelebrating were Archbishop Thomas E Gullickson, Papal Nuncio, retired Bishop John Mendes and over 60 priests of the Archdiocese. Also present were Their Excellencies President George Maxwell Richards and Dr Jean Ramjohn Richards, President of the Senate, Dr Linda Baboolal, Knowlson Gift, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Leader of the Opposition Basdeo Panday and Mrs Panday, former Presidents, Sir Ellis Clarke and Arthur NR Robinson.

The Mass was also attended by several Ministers of Government, members of the Diplomatic Corps, members of the IRO, Anglican Bishop Calvin Bess and former Anglican Bishops Clive Abdulah and Rawle Douglin.

Archbishop Gilbert referred to Pope John Paul II in his homily as a “Pope of the people,” saying “they loved him because they knew he loved them.” Read homily