Pope mourned by Cayman’s church leaders

Three men from St Ignatius Catholic Church speak
about what the pope meant to them. (L-r) Simon
Donoghue, Father Mark Ruckpaul and Oneil Miller

by Christopher Tobutt

Wednesday, April 6, 2005

At St Ignatius Catholic Church on Walkers Road, George Town, Father Mark Ruckpaul, a visiting priest from Ontario, Canada, standing in for Father Michael Molnar, who is presently on vacation, spoke warmly of the pope: “I’ve seen him twice, once at the World Youth Day in Toronto in 2002 and then at the World Youth Day in Rome in 2000. He was somebody who cared about the individual person.

“ Whenever I saw him, he took time to shake hands and greet people in the crowd. He was also a world traveler, and I think he visited 120 different countries. He really cares about young people, and he got the World Youth Day started back in the early 80’s.”

St Ignatius Church held a special mass on Friday Evening when news that the pope was dying reached Father Ruckpaul.

“We spoke about him over the weekend at the Eucharist,” Father Ruckpaul said. 

Simon Donoghue, Music Minister at St Ignatius Catholic Church, said, “It’s sad, but hopefully the next pope will be as international in his outlook.”

Oneil Miller, Director of Religious Education for the parish, said, “I saw the pope in 1993 in Jamaica; the experience was one of a kind. How gracious he was. He was attracted to people.

“I remember him parading at a sports track in Jamaica, and he broke away from the bodyguards to greet the people in the crowd. He was strong in those days; it’s sad to see him get frail over the years.”

When Mr Miller heard of the pope’s recent illness, he said: “Waiting for him to die was like waiting for a family member to die; like waiting for my own father,” he said.

“The Pope was a great man, who loved people and loved God. He stood up for what he preached. When he was shot, he met with the guy who did it, as a sign of forgiveness.”

Principal of St Ignatius KG-year 6, Jennifer Paul-O’ Donnel said: “It was a sad day when he died; we anticipated it, but it was still a sad day. He was such a charismatic leader. As Catholics, we can also celebrate, because he is enjoying what we are all striving for.”

A student at St Ignatius school, Kody Bergstrom, said, “I think it was a bad thing, but it is the cycle of life, and it happens to everyone.”

Another St Ignatius student, Ashani Francis said, “I think a lot of people are sorry that he died, and I only hope they pick another pope as good as him.”

Leaders of other denominations also expressed their sadness at his death, and their thankfulness for his life, and what he stood for. 

Alson Ebanks Pastor, of the Church of God Chapel, George Town, said, “I believe that he served his purpose for this generation.

“He came on the scene at the right time. Being a non-Italian pope with his roots in Poland, he was able to relate to those who are suffering, and those who don’t have a voice. On issues such as abortion, he spoke up for unborn children. 

Rev Nicholas Sykes, Rector of St Albans the Church of England, and Secretary of the Cayman Ministers’ Association, said, “He’s greatly respected by me. I believe he will be regarded as a great and good pope, and he did mighty work for God.”

Pastor Al Ebanks from the Agape Family Worship Centre, said: “I think that the Christian community worldwide is saddened by his passing; he was very good at communicating values that are not just important to the Christian Community but our community generally. Our condolences to the Catholic community over the loss of this great leader.”

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