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Fort McMurray Catholics to Mourn Pope Francis in Dual Services
FORT MCMURRAY, AB — Catholics across the globe, including here in Fort McMurray, are mourning the passing of Pope Francis, who died Sunday at the age of 88.
Local faithful will have two opportunities to gather in prayer and remembrance. A special morning requiem will be held at Saint Paul Church in Thickwood on Tuesday, April 22, while Saint John the Baptist Parish downtown will host an early evening mass at 5:30 p.m.
The services coincide with funeral preparations at the Vatican, as the global Catholic community marks the end of a papacy that often prioritized the marginalized and brought new energy to reconciliation efforts with Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on Dec. 17, 1936, Pope Francis served as the 266th Pontiff of the Catholic Church. He died April 21 after a prolonged illness.
Archbishop Richard Smith, speaking on behalf of the Edmonton Archdiocese, reflected on the Pope’s enduring impact.
“Pope Francis wore his heart on his sleeve, even to the public, even before mass audiences,” said Smith, who is now Archbishop-elect of Vancouver. “But to see him open his heart, open his mind to the Indigenous was, I think, an example to us all.”
The Pope’s 2022 visit to Canada remains a defining moment for many in our nation, Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Smith accompanied a delegation of Indigenous representatives to Rome just months before the Holy Father came to Canada on what he described as a penitential pilgrimage.
“The Pope made the trip even though he was in constant pain throughout the visit,” said Smith. “It was a particular example to me as a bishop as to how we go forward in the Church in opening our hearts to those in need, those who are hurting in any way, those who are suffering.”
The Archdiocese of Edmonton said Pope Francis’ stop in Alberta during his July 2022 visit provided a powerful opportunity to engage directly with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities, to acknowledge historic harms and seek healing.
“As to legacy,” said Smith, “I think he will be remembered for that above all. That legacy of, how would I put it, openness, receptivity, sensitivity to the needs of any who are suffering in any way, that’s the most important and lasting legacy the Pope will have for us.”
Flags will remain lowered at Catholic institutions in the region until after the Holy Father’s funeral is complete.
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