Kyrie, eleison

A picture I took while in St. Peter's Basilica.

Hugh Hewitt has posted an email from a priest in Rome describing the events that have unfolded in the past week. His is a long and very moving letter. Hugh requests that his readers read the email in its entirety, and I do to. Though it is long, it is riveting, heart-felt and extremely reverent. Who better to write than a priest who has served under John Paul II for over 12 years, three of which have been in Rome?

While reading it, I was struck by the fact that I have been to all of the places he describes. I stayed off Corso Vittorio Emmanuele. I rode those buses and walked those streets all while John Paul was alive. It's strange now knowing that the next time I venture over there, it will be under the direction of a new pontiff. What a sight that must be to see all of those pilgrims waiting for 12 hours or more for a few seconds with the leader they so dearly loved. This is truly historic.

Cardinal Camerlengo spoke these words to end a service held recently:
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.  Amen.”

I second that.