Vatican City, Apr 10, 2005 / 22:00 pm
During the third Mass of the “Novendiale” for the repose of the soul of Pope John Paul II, Cardinal Bernard Law, Archpriest of the Basilica of St. Mary Major, recalled the late Pontiff’s ties with the four patriarchal basilicas.
In a brief homily during the Mass celebrated at St. Peter’s Basilica, which was attended by thousands of faithful, Cardinal Law recalled the Pope’s link with St. Peter’s, “where he now rests with the first Apostle of Christianity” and with St. Paul Outside the Walls, “which takes its name from him who brought the word of Christ to all peoples.”
“Pope John Paul II did the same throughout his pontificate,” recalled the American cardinal. He also mentioned the Pope’s link with St. John Lateran, the Pope’s own cathedral as Bishop of Rome, and his link with St. Mary Major because of his profound Marian devotion.
A lone protest staged by Barbara Blaine, founder of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) against Law, former Archbishop of Boston, went unnoticed by the faithful. Italian policemen peacefully escorted Blaine off St. Peter's Square as she was preparing to distribute fliers.