St Brendan’s to honour Pope Francis with special Mass

“There’s a deep sadness for so many of us,” he said.

“But there’s also a sense of pride, completion.

“We are thankful and grateful.”

Just days earlier, Fr Joe had watched Pope Francis deliver Easter Mass and recalled that he appeared unwell, yet remained committed to fulfilling his duties despite his frailty.

“He came from the slums,” Fr Joe said.

“He was a great leader — and there aren’t that many leaders.

“He went to the extremes of the world, washing feet of the poor, close to communities on the peripheries.”

He also recalled how one of Pope Francis’ first acts as pontiff was to travel to Lampedusa, a small Italian island where many African refugees arrive by boat, and celebrate Mass there.

“Everyone that I know has a different perspective on his legacy,” Fr Joe said.

“But he broadened the Church, which was very Euro-centred.

“He appointed cardinals from everywhere in the world: Philippines, Indonesia and even Mongolia.”

Elected in 2013, Pope Francis became the first pontiff from the Americas and the first Jesuit to assume the role.

Known for his focus on humility, inclusiveness and outreach to communities previously left on the margins, his papacy often broke with tradition in efforts to make the Church more accessible and globally representative.

A Mass will be held at St Brendan’s Church at 7pm on Thursday, April 24, to honour the late Pope, who died at the age of 88.

The church’s statue of St Francis — the saint from whom the Pope took his name — will be included in the commemorations.

St Francis of Assisi, a 13th-century Italian friar, is known for his devotion to poverty, simplicity and care for nature.

He is the patron saint of ecology and animals, and his values closely align with many of the priorities Pope Francis championed during his time as pontiff.

In that spirit, Fr Joe has asked attendees to honour the Pope in a way that reflects his values.

“Don’t bring flowers from the florist, but the gardens,” he said, referencing the Pope’s commitment to the environment and simplicity.

Fr Joe said the sense of loss was felt within the community, but it had also brought a renewed sense of connection.

“This has deepened our faith,” he said.

“We’re sad and come together to pray.

“Despite the sadness, there are amazing moments for the Church, but also the world.

“I’m overjoyed he has had a great life.”

And what kind of Pope would Fr Joe like to see take over?

“It’s the one-million-dollar question!” he said.

“Hopefully someone from the peripheries.”