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"In the days leading up to his passing, Pope John Paul II
displayed the same level of dignity, perseverance, and strong
convictions of faith and morals that characterized his long and
accomplished papacy," Gov. Blagojevich said. "Here in Illinois,
citizens are mourning this sad occasion. However, we can all find
comfort in knowing that Pope John Paul II has now returned home to
his maker and will live in peace for the rest of eternity."
Pope John Paul II, who served as pope for 26 years, died
Saturday. He is considered one of the most influential popes of the
modern era, helping to bring an end to communism and spread
democracy throughout the world.
"I encourage all citizens, both Catholics and non-Catholics, to
join in commemorating the life of one of the most beloved human
beings and one of the most accomplished popes that this world has
ever seen," concluded the governor in his proclamation.
On Friday, the Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago will toll the bells
at noon and conduct a special Mass at 5:15 p.m., which will be
attended by a representative from every Chicago parish.
Last Sunday, the governor joined the congregation at St.
Hyacinth's Basilica to mourn the passing of Pope John Paul II. The
governor also issued a proclamation ordering flags at all state of
Illinois facilities be flown at half-staff until the pontiff is laid
to rest. ["Gov.
Blagojevich mourns the passing of Pope John Paul II"]
[to top of second column in this article]
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 Text of the governor's proclamation
of the day of mourning:
WHEREAS, the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, left this world on
Saturday, April 2, 2005. As the Pope lived out his final hours,
millions of people in Vatican City, and billions across the globe
gathered to mourn this tremendous loss to humanity, and to celebrate
the life of this amazing man; and
WHEREAS, in the days leading up to his passing, Pope John Paul II
displayed the same level of dignity, perseverance, and strong
convictions of faith and morals that characterized his long and
accomplished Papacy; and
WHEREAS, here in Illinois, citizens are mourning this sad
occasion. However, we can all find comfort in knowing that Pope John
Paul II has now returned home to his maker, and will live in peace
for the rest of eternity; and
WHEREAS, on Friday, April 8, 2005, official services will be held
in Vatican City to mourn the death of Pope John Paul II. In
accordance with this day of mourning, the Holy Name Cathedral in
Chicago will toll the bells at 12:00 pm and hold special mass as
5:15 pm, where a representative from every Chicago parish will
attend; and
WHEREAS, the State of Illinois proudly and faithfully joins the
Catholic Church and the Archdiocese of Chicago in this very sad and
poignant memorial:
THEREFORE, I, Rod Blagojevich, Governor of the State of Illinois,
do hereby proclaim Friday, April 8, 2005 as A DAY OF MOURNING FOR
POPE JOHN PAUL II, and encourage all citizens, both Catholics
and non-Catholics, to join in commemorating the life of one of the
most beloved human beings, and one of the most accomplished popes
that this world has ever seen.
[News release from the governor's
office] |
