Greater Cincinnati family honoring Pope Francis during trip to Rome
Matt Daniels, the superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Covington, learned Pope Francis had died after his flight landed in Rome, turning his family vacation into an incredibly moving experience.
Matt Daniels, the superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Covington, learned Pope Francis had died after his flight landed in Rome, turning his family vacation into an incredibly moving experience.
Matt Daniels, the superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Covington, learned Pope Francis had died after his flight landed in Rome, turning his family vacation into an incredibly moving experience.
Matt Daniels, the superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, planned a family trip to Rome around the canonization of Carlo Acutis. On Monday morning, a flight attendant told him Pope Francis had passed away.
"As she was down to land, she said, 'Did you hear the holy father has passed away?' And at first, I didn't believe her," Daniels said.
The canonization was postponed, and the Daniels family has taken part in several historic events at the Vatican ever since. On Thursday, they joined thousands of Catholics paying their respects to the Pope as he lied in state at St. Peter's Basilica.
"What struck me was just the universality of who we are in line with," Daniels said. "I just think it was an example for me and my kids to the universality of the profound love and affection that the world has for Pope Francis."
You don't have to be in Rome to honor the pope. Churches all over the tri-state are holding special liturgies and vigils.
The Archdiocese of Cincinnati is inviting parishioners to join Archbishop Robert Casey in remembering and praying for Pope Francis following his death earlier this week.
Over the next month, four Memorial Masses for Pope Francis will be held throughout the archdiocese:
- Monday, April 28: St. Michael Church (Ft. Loramie)
- Monday, May 5: St. Francis of Assisi Church (Centerville)
- Monday, May 12: Immaculate Conception Church (Dayton)
- Wednesday, May 21: Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains (Cincinnati)
All memorials will begin at 7 p.m.
Over in Northern Kentucky, the Diocese of Covington is holding two big events at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption.
You are invited to the following liturgies at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption to honor Pope Francis and pray for the repose of his soul.
- Frida, April 25 at 7 p.m.
- Monday, May 5: St. Francis of Assisi Church (Centerville)
Sung Vespers
Friday, April 25 at 7 p.m.
Memorial Mass
Saturday, April 26 at 10 a.m.