Posted: 4/8/05
By MaryHelen Swanson
"Be not afraid." At a special mass and prayer service to honor the life and death of Pope John Paul II at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Rush City Thursday night, Deacon Gene Biever reminded those gathered that these were the first words uttered as the new Pope opened the windows to speak to the people in 1978.
The Rush City church had been prepared for the special service with Papal flags, inside and out, pictures of the Pope, flowers and candles.
At 8 p.m., the celebration began with a candlelight procesion of the ministers to the altar.
Fr. Xavier Thelakkatt was the main celebrant. Others who joined the procession included Fr. Oliver Defresne, Isanti, Deacon Gene Biever, Pine City and Pastor Laurie OíShea of First Lutheran Church, Rush City. The picture of the Pope carried in procession was enthroned at the center of the sanctuary area with a papal flag, Paschal candle, with flowers and votive candles.
After the readings from the Bible, Deacon Biever, Pastor OíShea and Fr. Oliver talked about Pope John Paul II.
Deacon Biever reminded the people that the Pope believed there was good in every person. This moment brings tears of joy and sorrow, he went on. Sorrow that he is gone, joy that he is with Jesus.
Biever marveled at how it was possible for Pope John Paul II to say "be not afraid" after all the terrible things he had witnessed in his life.
He said the Pope was not afraid of dying, of his illness and such, but only that his illness would cause him to be unable to smile. The Pope, he said, wondered how the people would know he loved them if he didn't smile at them.
Pastor O'Shea said the Pope affected everyone. He called him a spiritual man, and noted that he was outspoken against war.
O'Shea said he was with the Pope on that issue.
A Lutheran pastor, O'Shea said the Pope became real to him through his Catholic parents. He said the Pope was a gift to all, not just Roman Catholics.
Fr. Oliver told the congregation that nothing is accidental. "It's all God's providence," he said. He ended his brief talk saying, "St. John Paul II, pray for us."
Fr. Xavier thanked everyone. After the Mass the people were invited to come forward to pay respects to the Pope by offering flowers at the enthroned picture. The participants left in silence as the whole night prayer vigil continued. Papal momentos were distributed to everyone. The vigil came to an end 6 a.m. Friday.
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