The opening hymn of "Long Live the Pope" set the tone Thursday for a liturgical celebration wishing Pope Benedict XVI well at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville.
As Mass began at 12:05 p.m. Thursday, Benedict was settling in at Castel Gandolfo, a papal residence in Italy, after he left the Vatican by helicopter at 11:07 a.m. local time.
Celebrating the Mass "in thanksgiving for the Pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI" was the Rev. Jason F. Stokes, parochial vicar at St. Patrick, assisted by Deacon Jack Quirk. Concelebrants were Monsignor Edward O'Connor, pastor, Monsignor William Handges and the Rev. John Little. The intention of the Mass and prayers included praying for the future pope.
Students and teachers from Assumption BVM School, Pottsville, attended the Mass as a group, with second-grade students participating in the first reading and responsorial psalm and bringing the offertory gifts to the altar.
After Quirk read the Gospel, Stokes provided the homily to the congregation, which had many more people in attendance than an average noon Mass.
"We come together as a faith community to give praise and thanksgiving to Almighty God for the gift of Pope Benedict XVI, and it is fitting that we do so in the context of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass," Stokes said.
He said it was wonderful that the Assumption students were present during such a key moment in the Catholic Church's history.
"What beautiful teaching moment, especially for our school students. I was so pleased with Miss Fetter, who without hesitation accepted our invitation to the school to be present at this Mass, for the prayers of the children are so very powerful," said Stokes, referring to Assumption Principal Kimberly Fetter. "Children, you are experiencing something very rare in our church, something that has not happened in 600 years. The Holy Father has given up the Throne of St. Peter, and in less that two hours he will no longer be the pope."
Stokes asked the children to pray for Benedict and the church.
"And while you're doing so, add a prayer of thanksgiving that you are able to pray each and every day in a Catholic school," he said, praising the religious environment at Assumption BVM.
Throughout his homily, Stokes made references to Benedict's writings, quoting from them many times.
"His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, has tirelessly proclaimed with compassion, courage and determination that the world needs Jesus Christ," he said. "In a few moments, he will cease being Peter, but he will continue to be a man of prayer, a man of God. He will continue to be a beacon of light in a dark world."
After Mass, Stokes said it was a "great crowd" at Mass, showing the love and respect for Benedict, and O'Connor said his humility will be remembered.