DETROIT – The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit opened its doors Monday night for a Mass of Suffrage following Pope Francis’s death.
Mourners came by the dozen to celebrate the Pontiff’s life and legacy.
Archbishop Edward Weisenburger led the mass.
“Finishing Easter Sunday mass, I did not think I’d be back so quickly; while part of me is filled with sadness today, part of me is filled with joy for the one I love,” said Weisenburger.
Prior to Monday’s (April 21) mass, the archbishop recalled meeting Pope Francis just before the covid shutdowns.
He described the Pope as profoundly transparent, saying he spoke to the hearts of Catholics and non-believers alike.
“I don’t know that he ever slept; his work ethic was profound. It was almost as if he didn’t have enough time to get it all done.” Weisenburger said.
Parishioner Colleen Maciejewski was surprised by his passing.
“I had seen him do his Easter speech; I saw him in the popemobile; he was out with his people,” said Maciejewski.
Bradley Snyder was one of many who went to the cathedral to reflect. e calls Pope Francis “a great leader for the spiritual world and Christianity,” adding that he will work to find love in everything in his honor.
The archbishop called to light his favorite quote from Pope Francis.
“A little mercy makes the world less cold and more just,” Weisenburger said, adding, “What a blessing it would be if we could keep those words in mind and heart.”
