“Across the five counties of the Allentown Diocese, Catholic churches tolled their bell 88 times Friday to celebrate all 88 years of Pope Francis’ life.
A special mass then followed at the Cathedral Church of St. Catharine of Siena in Allentown – a powerful service honoring the life of Pope Francis.
The hour-long service was held in both English and Francis’ native Spanish.
‘40% of the Catholics in the Diocese of Allentown speak Spanish or can speak Spanish. Our Holy Father Francis was from Argentina, so it makes it very appropriate both for the people we serve here and also in honor of our Holy Father,’ explained Bishop Alfred Schlert.
‘It was a mass to just pray since we all can’t go to Rome for the funeral tomorrow,’ said Schlert.
His death is bringing about unity both across the globe and in our region.
‘It was beautiful to see the mosaic of our diocese, young, old, priests, deacons, religious, all the different cultures we have. It was beautiful and it shows exactly what Pope Francis wants us to do, be together, come together, respect one another and give thanks for one another,’ Bishop Schlert added.”
WFMZ
wfmz.com
Bells toll 88 times at area churches to honor all 88 years of Pope Francis' life
A special mass was also held Friday at the Cathedral Church of St. Catharine of Siena in Allentown to honor the life of Pope Francis.
