‘Felt a deep sense of pride in my Pope, in my faith’

Panaji: For priests from the Archdiocese of Goa, Pope Francis’ funeral Mass on Saturday was an unforgettable and moving experience. It was attended by heads of states, cardinals, bishops, and other clergy.
“It was a grand assembly, a huge gathering of people from all walks of life coming together to pay their last respects,” said Fr Joseph Claro Rodrigues from Shiroda, who is pursuing a doctorate in Rome.
“Witnessing the humility of such a great person and hearing moving testimonies of people made it an unforgettable and deeply emotional experience for me,” Fr Joseph said. “I felt a deep sense of pride — in my Pope, in my faith, and in the immense love the Church continues to spread.”
When Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re recalled the extraordinary life and deeds of Pope Francis, each memory he evoked was met with heartfelt applause from the people gathered — a touching sign of deep love and gratitude for Pope Francis, Rodrigues said.
“I was especially moved by this moment. It inspired me personally to work in a special way so that, like him, I too may leave behind memories worth remembering by the world,” he added.
Another diocesan priest studying in Rome, Fr Sanford Rodrigues, originally from Benaulim, told TOI that he set out at 6am on Saturday on foot to reach the Vatican, which is around 2km away from where he stays. It took him another two hours to get through security.
“I was posted at a parish in Milan for two weeks of service, but I returned to Rome anticipating the funeral of Pope Francis as I have special affection for him like many others do,” he said. “He really lived out the humanity he preached and, most of all, was humble.”
A few days earlier, he went to view Pope Francis’ body, managing to get in only around midnight.
“The funeral ceremony was very touching,” Fr Sanford said. “The Pope’s coffin was a simple wooden one and wasn’t raised as is the custom when a Pope dies but was placed on a flat surface. He also broke a tradition by choosing to have one coffin instead of three.”
If there’s one thing he takes away from Pope Francis, it is his humility and simplicity. “As a priest, I want to live simply with humility and be with the people,” he said.