AMERICA/VENEZUELA - “Juan Pablo amigo, Venezuela sta con tigo! John Paul our friend, Venezuela is with you!” Venezuelans continue to express love for Pope John Paul II; requiem Masses celebrated in sports stadium to accommodate huge crowds

Friday, 8 April 2005

Caracas (Fides Service) - After following with deep concern the worsened condition and death of Pope John Paul II, the people of Venezuela continue to attend Masses and the recitation of the rosary in churches all over the country. Because of the time difference, Venezuelans attended the first official national Mass for the repose of the soul of the Holy Father on the same day of his death, 2 April, at the church of Our Lady of Chiquinquirà. On Saturday 9 April there were prayer vigils with the recitation of the Rosary in two squares in the capital Caracas organised by the young people whom the Pope loved so dearly. In many parts of the country Bishops have to celebrate requiem masses at sports grounds to accommodate the crowds of faithful anxious to attend to pray for the pilgrim Pope. Everywhere people are chanting “Juan Pablo amigo, Venezuela sta con tigo!” (John Paul our friend, Venezuela is with you!). And everyone was up by three in the morning to watch the television and be in communion with the faithful celebrating the Pope’s funeral in St Peter’s Square in Rome. (R.Z.) (Agenzia Fides 8/4/2005)


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