By Christopher Khoo
SINGAPORE — The sweltering afternoon heat did not deter hundreds of devoted Singapore Catholics who stood outside a packed Cathedral of the Good Shepherd to pray for Pope Francis who had visited the island nation just last September.
They were part of about a thousand people who thronged the Cathedral for the celebration of his Memorial Mass, held on 22 April, the very next day after his death.
People packed the Cathedral as early as 11.30 am to ensure they could get seats for the Mass, which started at 1.15 pm. Those who were not able to get seats indoors had to stand outside in the Cathedral porch and brave the humidity, with some of them holding umbrellas to shield them from the blistering afternoon sun.
Others who found it difficult to stand for long, sat on the Cathedral steps.
In his homily, Cardinal William Goh, head of the Singapore Archdiocese, noted that Pope Francis, “was truly a pastor for the world”.
“He was a man with great compassion, especially for those who are poor, suffering, those who are marginalized, those who have issues in their marriage, even in their identity. Pope Francis sought to welcome them,” he said.
“He would find every opportunity to speak out for those people who are suffering innocently, those in war-torn countries, those under oppression,” Cardinal Goh added.
The Mass was attended by priests of the archdiocese and also by Monsignor Marinko Antolovic, Chargé d’affaires (ad interim) of the Apostolic Nunciature in Singapore, who gave a eulogy at the end of the Mass.
“Through all the years of his papacy, even as age and illness took their toll, Pope Francis remained what he always was: a father, a servant and a friend to those most in need,” he said.
“This is why his legacy will not remain only in books or declarations, but most importantly in the hearts of the millions he inspired to live more simply, live more deeply and walk more humbly with God.”
The Mass, which was streamed live on the archdiocese’s YouTube channel, also saw many people queuing up to sign a condolence book for the late Pope as well as take photos of his portrait placed near the altar.
Speaking to Today’s Catholic, Mr Kevin Lim who was present at the Mass, said he felt “very sad” at the Pope’s passing. “He’s an inspiration – a light in the world”, he added.
Pope Francis visited Singapore in September 2024 as part of a 12-day four-nation Asia-Pacific tour which also included Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste.
The writer is a Singapore-based journalist and educator.
