Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
I know that you will share in my deep sadness at the death of Pope Francis. May he rest in peace. Pope Francis was a true servant of the Lord and the People of God who, literally to the end, poured out his life for others. He was a great defender of the poor, the vulnerable and all those who were marginalised in any way. I had the privilege of being in his company several times and I was most impressed by his deep spirituality which obviously arose from a lifetime of reflective prayer. It is fitting that the Lord called him during the Easter Octave for he lived and witnessed continually to the Risen Christ. We are an Easter People and the Lord has called him to his eternal reward.
I will celebrate a diocesan Mass in our Cathedral for the repose of Pope Francis’ soul. The timing will be announced when the arrangements have been made. I know that you will keep Pope Francis in your prayers.
+Brian