Vigil Mass for His Holiness Pope Francis at Olton Friary Church, Thursday 24 April 2025

On Thursday 24 April at 6.30pm the parishioners of Olton Friary Church gathered for a Vigil Mass, celebrated by Fr Biju SCJ, Parish Priest. As we mourn our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis, we pray for his eternal peace in the Kingdom of Heaven, giving thanks for the gift and witness of his life and faithful ministry among us.

The Vigil Mass was well attended and the church was bedecked with Easter flowers and the atmosphere was reverential. Fr Biju reflected on the humility, compassion and witness to the Gospel of Pope Francis. He recalled Pope Francis likening the Church to a “field hospital” which helps the suffering and marginalized through love, mercy and charity.

A portrait of Pope Francis was placed at the front of the altar, under the Paschal Candle. During the Mass Fr Biju invited everyone to come forward and light individual candles, say a prayer and leave a message of condolence; these were blessed and incensed. We have in our hearts the words Pope Francis spoke to us, “Do not forget to pray for me.”

Before the final blessing, Fr Biju invited the parishioners to applaud, just as the crowd had as Pope Francis’ coffin crossed St Peter’s Square. 

Pope Francis, we love you, we miss you, we will pray for you.