"I was always with him, by his side. Now, at the moment of death, he walked alone. And this fact, my not being able to accompany him, pained me much."
Of all the words that were spoken or written during the weeks following our Popes death, I think these are the most powerful I have ever read.
Of all the words that were spoken or written during the weeks following our Popes death, I think these are the most powerful I have ever read.
And that is why the words of Our Lord "I go to prepare a place for you...and...I will come again and take you to myself" are such a great consolation, for we do not make that final journey alone.
I remember very vividly that moment at the funeral when the pallbearers, just before entering the Basilica, turned around one last time with the coffin and received rupturous applause from the crowd in St Peter's square.
It brought tears to my eyes - what a powerful moment that was, and what a great testament to the life this man lived - that millions of people would cheer his life and mourn his death.