YOUNGSTOWN – With a large photo of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI gracing the altar, Bishop David Bonnar highlighted rituals of faith during the Memorial Masses for the deceased pontiff here and in North Canton. Bishop Bonnar was the main celebrant for the celebrations held Jan. 3 at North Canton St. Paul Parish and on Jan. 4 at St. Columba Cathedral.
In welcoming the congregation to the Masses, Bishop Bonnar said, “the prayers offered today are connected with the prayers of so many others throughout the world, as we come to remember and give thanks.”
In his homily at both Masses, Bishop Bonnar referenced two essential elements of faith, revealed by the Christmas celebrations. “Our faith is centered in the person of Jesus who comes to save us, and this faith lived out in worship and daily life is strengthened again and again through ritual. It is hard to imagine Christmas without them, for they not only reach the depths of our hearts, but they also unite us,” Bishop Bonnar said.
Noting that rituals of faith are not exclusive to the Christmas season, Bishop Bonnar continued, “these rituals serve as a compass for us to navigate the mysteries of life and death.”
By gathering to mark the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict, “we are praying for a successor of St. Peter, the first pope, a shepherd of the Church, and the visible foundation of the Church’s unity. In his life and ministry as the Vicar of Christ, Pope Benedict sought to be true to these humble descriptions,” the bishop said.
Throughout the Mass, God’s intercession was asked that Pope Benedict “may happily enjoy forever in your presence in heaven the mysteries of your grace in compassion,” that God may ‘mercifully bestow a blessed reward on Pope Benedict,” and that “Benedict may be happily admitted to God’s blessed flock.” Bishop Bonnar also offered “thanksgiving to God for the gift of this dedicated churchman who clearly had a far reach and a huge impact on the world.”
While death can engender fear, “in every loss in life the echo of Jesus’ voice can be heard saying: ‘Have faith in God. Have faith in me.’ When we receive the Holy Eucharist, we become one with Jesus who is ‘the way, the truth, and the life,’” he noted.
Saying Pope Emeritus Benedict spoke often about this relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist, Bishop Bonnar continued, “the German pontiff not only promoted reception of the Holy Eucharist as a staple for life, but he also invited the Church to behold the power and grace of Eucharistic adoration. It is a source of comfort and light, particularly to those who are suffering.”
Rather than coincidence, Bishop Bonnar believes it to be “divine providence that the Pope Emeritus’ death happened during the Synod on Synodality, in which we are reminded of our shared pilgrimage, and that Pope Benedict’s death comes at the time of a Eucharistic Revival in our country when the power of this wondrous sacrament has been diminished and even disregarded.”
Bishop Bonnar asked the congregation to “ponder in prayer the death of this ecclesial giant, looking for meaning to deepen our faith and inspire our respective ministries.”
“May Pope Emeritus Benedict’s death and our celebration of his life in this powerful ritual reawaken us to the grace of humility, remind us that we are all pilgrims on a journey to heaven, sustained by the food and presence of Holy Eucharist, committed unwaveringly to being cooperators of the truth,” the bishop concluded.
At both Memorial Masses, attendees expressed their thoughts on the life and passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict.
“I just loved his focus on the Eucharist,” said Rose Barlow, parishioner at Canton St. Michael the Archangel Parish.
“It was such an honor to memorialize such a giant, father, and shepherd,” said Ben Walther, music minister at North Canton St. Paul Parish, campus minister at Walsh University, and cantor for the Memorial Mass.
For Laura Matulac, an RCIA candidate at Streetsboro St. Joan of Arc Parish, the Memorial Mass at St. Columba Cathedral, “was a chance to experience the fullness of the Church.”
Juliann McLennan, St. Columba parishioner and sacristan, was drawn to Pope Emeritus Benedict, especially because her father’s middle name is Benedict. “I liked to listen to his speeches on TV. He had a way of connecting to people and getting across the message of God.”
Lio and Bice Comichista, members of Girard St. Rose Parish said Pope Benedict was very instrumental in their faith. “He was a holy man. He made you understand the truths of the Church,” Bice related. “He was a very bright, dedicated pope,” added her husband Lio.
Doris Perry, St. Columba parishioner, is an admirer of all the popes. “As little children, we were taught respect for the papacy and the priests. They were always concerned about our welfare,” she said.
John Pasternack, a secular Franciscan and member of Poland Holy Family Parish, noted his admiration for Pope Benedict’s decision to resign when demands of the papacy became overwhelming. “It’s good to be here today to pay homage to someone who did a good job in keeping Roman Catholicism moving forward and leading many people to the faith.”
Dominic Colucy, safe environment coordinator for the Diocese of Youngstown, said, “Pope Benedict was very influential in my academic studies. His emphasis on ritual, custom, tradition, and how these are avenues for an encounter with Jesus has really affected my life deeply.”
Garrett Guerrieri, a fourth-year seminarian from Boardman St. Charles Parish, noted, “Pope Benedict was a spiritual giant to me. He has some of the deepest, clearest, and simplest theological writings I have ever read. His writings have helped me grow in my personal faith and understanding about the realities of the faith.”
