Pavarotti returns to the Catholic faith before dying

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Comments: 17

Meeting with benefactors and organizers of the 23rd World Youth Day at the Reception Hall of Cathedral House and in the Chapter Hall of St. Mary's Cathedral
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Message of the Holy Father Benedict XVI to the Young People of the World on the Occasion of the XXIII World Youth Day, 2008
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Modena, Italy, Sep 10, 2007 / 10:49 am (CNA).- Luciano Pavarotti, the world renowned tenor was laid to rest in Modena’s cathedral with a grand funeral which paid tribute to the opera legend and gave witness to his return to the Catholic faith.

The diocese had received criticisms that it had gone overboard in honoring a remarried divorcé. But Pavarotti's parish priest, Fr. Remo Sartori, said the twice-married singer had been reconciled with the Catholic faith, reported the Sydney Morning Herald. Pavarotti had received the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick before losing his battle against pancreatic cancer last Thursday, aged 71.

Church leaders and pastors, including Pope Benedict XVI, sent messages conveying their condolences. The Pope’s message expressed his sorrow at the loss of "a great artist who with his extraordinary interpretative talent honored the divine gift of music".

In his tribute, Archbishop Benito Cocchi of Modena recognized Pavarotti as an exceptional talent and as someone who “expressed himself in charity towards those who suffered."

One of the emotional climaxes of the funeral was a 1978 recording of Panis Angelicus (Bread Of Angels), performed by Pavarotti and his father, Fernando.

Another followed a prayer composed by Pavarotti's three eldest daughters from his first marriage, which said: "We thank God for having given Dad the gift of a great voice and we pray that he will allow him to use it in heaven to sing his praise."

Pavarotti's musical talent emerged in a church choir, where he sang with his father, Fernando Pavarotti, who was a baker. His father also had a terrific tenor voice, but stage fright prevented him from developing his talent.

Comments: 17

Subscriber comments:

Published by: T. Dailey
Bflo./ NY/USA 02/24/2009 11:12 AM EST

I don't think it is anyone's business how the Church allowed Luciano Pavarotti to be buried. Rich or poor, famous or unknown, we all have to face God on Judgement Day and account for our sins and be judged by Almighty GOD. Remember, JUDGE NOT LEST YE BE JUDGED AMEN!

Published by: Ron Perry
Dallas, TX USA 11/18/2008 03:14 AM EST

Pavarotti stated in an interview that he knew his "voice was touched by God". And with that realization in mind he said that every time he performed he always hoped his "voice would be there" i.e. fine. There is no doubt he had a spiritual relationship with God. He knew who really provided his life's blessings. Not everyone walks through life as they should. But I feel confident he reflected on his life's actions before leaving this world and made peace with God. The only person you have to tell your sorry and ask for forgiveness from is The Lord Jesus Christ---and that's one prayer/request He's most desirous to hear/grant---immediately!

Published by: Nga
Weaverville , California 05/09/2008 11:53 AM EST

Everyone has only one time to die, I am not afraid of dying,dying is a sign to have another better life with Jesus,Maria and all the Saints, what should i do to have it, Love God, Love one another.

Published by: Roseanne Sullivan
San Jose CA 10/29/2007 06:20 PM EST

We can be forgiven even at the last moment of our lives, if we sincerely repent our sins. Only God knows how sincere anyone is. The Funeral Mass is to pray for the soul of the deceased, not to give him a free ticket to heaven. I worry about him because he was a public adulterer, but only God can judge.

Published by: the escape artist
Toronto Ontario Canada 09/13/2007 09:53 AM EST

SC of
Louisville, KY USA wrote:
"It was nice that he was reconciled with the church, but the article failed to mention if he had received Jesus' salvation."

If SC is not Catholic his or her ignorance may be forgiven. If SC is Catholic he or she needs to consult his or her copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church where it is quite clear that the two states of being are hardly mutually exclusive and rather, to come home to the Catholic Church which was instituted by Jesus Christ and the one, hold, catholic and apostolic church through which salvation is found is to have reconciled with Christ.

Published by: H.S, Monroe
Long Island, NY USA 09/12/2007 09:56 PM EST

Danielle/Rome: Re a funeral mass & a free ticket to heaven: It doesn't, as you comment. Reading before thinking, one gathers from the article that his 'returning to the Church' implied confession and repentance, not any 'magic' or influence of God by a ritual, or liturgy - it's too late for that, that's all. Of course, as a Protestant, I am not aware of the Roman expectations of a funeral mass, per se, but if they are as you suggest, we are not in disagreement. However, I trust the priest involved handled it appropriately. M. Pavarotti had some time to reflect on his life. God rest his soul, indeed. appropriately.

Published by: Tom Borromeo
Mandaluyong City, Philippines 09/12/2007 02:22 AM EST

Pavarotti the son, the compleat opera singer will be missed. May God rest his soul. Amen.

Pierre Najins, if you are a Catholic, realise you still have time to heal your anti-Catholic attitude. You bring up a false issue that has been answered time and again. We will pray for you.

Published by: JSC
Louisville, KY USA 09/11/2007 10:05 PM EST

It was nice that he was reconciled with the church, but the article failed to mention if he had received Jesus' salvation. However, although those of us who inquire about his spirituality perhaps do so because we love him and wish the best for him, it truly is a private matter between Pavarotti & the Almighty. That being said, he will be sorely missed down here on this weary earth, as his was as a voice from heaven that surely even the angels would agree was heaven sent. God rest his beloved soul. He is greatly loved.

Published by: daniele
rome italy 09/11/2007 09:41 PM EST

How does offering a funeral Mass which entrusts the soul to the mercy of God constitute a "free pass to heaven"? A Mass offered for the dead is to beg God's mercy and is not a prize or a reward. Think before you write!

Published by: maureen
conncecticut 09/11/2007 06:24 PM EST

What a gift for the soul of Luciano Pavarotti that he was able to receive Sacramental forgiveness for his sins. Thank God for His mercy and love which endures forever!

Published by: H.S. Monroe
Long Island, NY USA 09/11/2007 05:49 PM EST

M. Najins, you are correct in the sense of it is Who you know. Thank God that in knowing Christ Jesus a repentant sinner can actually get that "free" pass to Heaven by His loving Grace. The ticket price was paid by Jesus on the Cross, and it was expensive, eh? We plead mercy, not justice, & I reckon that is what Fr. Santori's focus was on, hardly blasphemy, but the Gospel itself.

Published by: Teresa Toner
El Paso, Tx USA 09/11/2007 01:59 PM EST

It is not just the famous who are available for this great grace of being
able to confess our
sins and be able to be
right with God before
our deaths. You sound
very bitter, Pierre,but I was very
happy to hear that this had happened with
Pavarotti.

Published by: Anthony Siu
Hong Kong, China 09/11/2007 12:51 PM EST

This is a good sign. It seems that the Church is now less ready to judge but more ready to show its merciful side. However, compared with God's mercy, this is nothing. So, we sinners should never give up hope and strive to do our utmost.

Published by: Carlos
Miami, FL 09/11/2007 12:44 PM EST

This is one of the meanings of the parable of the Prodigal Son, remember the older son who was upset at their Father's generosity? Kinf of like one of the comments below. Or the parable of the workers in the field- those who had labored all day were upset that those who started working late in the day got the same wage! Let's thank God for his patience and generosity, unlike us.

Published by: phil floersh
tucson/az/usa 09/11/2007 09:19 AM EST

Let this fact be stated in the liberal press!!!!

phil

Published by: Santan De Mello
Canada 09/11/2007 07:57 AM EST

Rate: Excellent

Let us leave judgement to God alone. Pavarotti has left something for us and posterity- God's gift of an unique Voice.No one can deny that.

Published by: pierre najins
north tonawanda, Buffalo, USA 09/10/2007 12:12 PM EST

Rate: Bad

well, this is just another case of being "it is not what you know but who you know." If you are a sinner who is rich and famous the church welcomes you with open arms and gives you a free pass to heaven. Pavarotti's parish priest, Fr. Remo Sartori can add this blasephemy to his resume when he himself approaches the pearly gates.

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