SPOKANE, Wash. — Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pope in history, leaves behind a legacy that resonates deeply with Spokane’s Gonzaga University and the broader Catholic community throughout the region.
“We also prayed for ourselves, I think that we can capture some of the spirit that he represented,” said Father Bob Lyons, Chaplain at Gonzaga University, during a special resurrection mass held on campus.
Gonzaga held a resurrection mass on campus to let students reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis. The university’s chaplain says the pope’s example of self-reflection and honesty is one of his most important teachings.
As the first pope from the Jesuit order, Francis had particular significance for Gonzaga University, which is a Jesuit institution.
“Even people who were a bit jaded and not terribly religious, when they were around him, just by his example and the way he listened and the way he responded with kindness and with care,” Father Lyons noted about Pope Francis’ impact.
The service provided students and faculty an opportunity to reflect on the life and contributions of Pope Francis, whose Jesuit background created a special connection with the university.
Churches throughout Spokane are honoring Pope Francis’ legacy and giving people a chance to pray and grieve his loss.
“There’s a feeling of emptiness in the church because we don’t have a head. Our father, our dad, if you will, of the church, has died. There is an emptiness in all of us as we mourn the loss of Pope Francis,” said Darrin Connall, Vicar General for the Diocese of Spokane.
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes has draped black bunting over its entrance as a visual symbol of mourning. This traditional sign of respect will remain in place until a new Pope is elected, at which point it will be replaced with white and gold bunting.
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes in downtown Spokane will hold a mass in memory of Pope Francis this Thursday at noon.
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