The solemn sound of bell fold marked the beginning of a day of grief and recollection this Monday April 21 in the Metropolitan Cathedralin the heart of Historic Center of Guatemala City.
The gesture, loaded with symbolism, was made after the news of the Death of Pope Francisto the 88 years.
The act of bending of bells – a liturgical tradition that announces the death of an important figure within the Church – rumbled in the capital center and summoned dozens of faithful that, in silence and prayerthey approached the temple to pay tribute to the pontiff.
In respect of respect, The bells were played slowly and slowlyan ancestral practice with which the Catholic community is invited to join in prayer for the soul of the deceased.
Liturgical tribute to Pope Francis
He Archbishopric of Guatemala celebrated one Mass in memory of Pope Francis.
The ceremony was officiated by the Father José Luis Colmenarespastor of the Metropolitan Cathedral, who raised felt prayers for eternal rest of the Argentine Pontiff, recognized for his simplicity and commitment to the poorest.
“Remember your son Francisco, Pope, whom you called today from this world to your presence. I granted him that, just as he shared the death of Jesus Christ, also share with him the glory of the resurrection”pronounced the priest during the liturgy.
During his homily, Colmenares recalled one of Francisco’s most memorable teachings about death, when the Pope said:
“You have never seen a coffin accompanied by one or more moving trucks behind, because when we die we don’t get anything.”
And he added that, although the Pope does not take material goods, yes part with something invaluable: the love and prayers of the people who grazed.
Anecdotes of faith and prayer
The priest also shared an anecdote about the symbolism of incense in Holy Week, that a young child had learned from his father:
“All the people who came to see the procession have something to ask God, and the incense collects all prayers and takes them to him”he said.
“Francisco does not go to heaven with a shift truck. He was a poor Pope, for a poor church. But today many prayers will rise for him, prayers that we normally did to ask for his health, today they rise to ask them to be welcomed in the kingdom of God”said the pastor.
Called to follow your example
The homily ended with a call to the Catholic community to follow the example of the pontiff:
“The important thing is that the Christian people trust God and that the seeds that Pope Francis sowed fall in good land. That his example inspires us to be better Christians, better human beings”.
Finally, the priest thanked the life and legacy of the Pope and asked for his eternal rest:
“Thank you for having given us an extraordinary pope. We ask you to receive it in the heavenly glory, and give you the prize of your virtue, your delivery and your love to the dispossessed”.