Letterkenny community worker Mary Maguire has shared her joy and pride after reading at the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict.
Mary Maguire, who works with people in need at Saint Vincent de Paul, proclaimed the second liturgical reading to a packed St Peter’s Square this morning.
Although it was a solemn occasion, Ms Maguire said she had “so much joy” in her heart after the reading.
Speaking to RTÉ News in Rome, Ms Maguire said she initially wanted to say no to the opportunity to read at the requiem mass. But her family encouraged her to accept the honour.
After this morning’s mass, which was broadcast worldwide, Ms Maguire said: “It was such an honour, I just had so much joy in my heart afterwards, real, real joy.
“Although it was a sad occasion, I just felt so much joy.”
Ms Maguire’s reading was from the First letter of St Peter (1:3-9). The reading praises God’s mercy giving the faithful “a new birth” as his children and “by raising Jesus Christ from the dead, so that we have a sure hope and the promise” of eternal life in heaven.
Today’s funeral is a historic event as former pope Benedict XVI is first former pontiff in the modern history of the Catholic church to be buried by an incumbent pope, Francis.
Also present in The Vatican today is Conwal & Leck Parish Priest Monsignor Kevin Gillespie, who was a personal Master of Ceremonies to Pope Benedict and travelled to many countries with him while working in Rome in the Congregation for the Clergy.
Fr. Eamonn Mc Laughlin of Downings, who is currently working in the Congregation for Clergy is also present today, as is retired Bishop Philip Boyce.
In Lifford, the tricolour is being flown at half-mast at Donegal County Council offices to mark the funeral of former Pope Benedict XVI.
