New Delhi, April. 4 (PTI): Sermons and special masses continued across
the country in memory of Pope John Paul II who died in Rome on Saturday
night as Catholic schools remained closed in many States as a mark of
respect to the iconic figure who symbolised peace and humanity.
Various State Assemblies also expressed condolences and payed their
respect by observing two-minute silence. Special prayer meetings were
held in churches packed with the faithful in Goa, Pondicherry, Kerala
and Tamil Nadu as bells tolled and hymns relating to death and
resurrection were sung.
The Catholic diocese in Tripura organised special prayers in churches
all over the state in memory of the Pope. The diocese also decided to
observe a three-day mourning and closed all Catholic schools in the
state for the day.
"The Pope dedicated himself to spreading the message of love, affection
and humanity throughout the world", said a resolution moved by the
Chair in the Tamil Nadu Assembly which also observed a two-minute
silence to pray for the divine soul.
Pondicherry Assembly also payed respect to Pope by observing a
two-minute silence and the House was adjourned for 25 minutes.
Speaker M D R Ramachandran, in his obituary reference said the death of
the Pope "was a big loss not only to the Catholics but also to the
entire humanity".
The Punjab Assembly condoled the death of the Pope and the House was
adjourned as a mark of respect to him. Catholic schools remained closed
in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow on the directions of the
Diocese.
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Carlos
