By Angela E. Pometto
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 4/28/05)

Just several days after the memorial photo of John Paul II was taken down from the altar at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington, the faithful gathered with their bishop to celebrate the announcement of the new pope. The day after the election of Pope Benedict XVI, Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde celebrated a Mass of thanksgiving at the Cathedral.

"As we gather to celebrate the Eucharistic sacrifice, our hearts are filled with gratitude and thanksgiving," he said. "Our Lord has given us a new pope. We gather to thank God for the gift of this 265th successor of Peter, and we gather to pray for him."

The pope for many years has been called the "servant of the servants of God," the bishop said, adding that the Diocese of Arlington offers prayers, as well as compassion, loyalty and fidelity to the new pontiff.

Bishop Loverde explained that the day’s Scripture readings were an appropriate reminder of the role of the pope. The first reading from Acts described how Barnabas and Saul were singled out, blessed and sent forth to evangelize.

"Our new Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, has been set apart and sent among us to do the same. He was sent to proclaim among us and to the world that Jesus is Lord," he said.

In one of the pope’s homilies, he called Christians to become mature in their faith.

"Being an adult means having a faith that is deeply rooted in Jesus Christ. It is a friendship that opens us up to all that is good. We must become mature in this adult faith," the bishop said, quoting Pope Benedict.

"Some sayings of Jesus are difficult but he said them with love," Bishop Loverde said. "We must proclaim the truth. That is what the new Holy Father will do. He will proclaim that truth fully in accord with what the Holy Spirit reveals through Christ and the Church."

As the successor of St. Peter, Pope Benedict is the visible sign of unity in faith and in love, the bishop said. The pope called the faithful to be "inspired by a holy restlessness" so that the gift of faith may be brought to everyone.

"I pray that we too may be filled with restlessness to witness to that truth in our own lives," Bishop Loverde said. "If we do that, we will be sowing the seeds of unity and love in a world now plagued with disunity."

Several other parishes in the diocese celebrated a Mass of thanksgiving for the new pope the night of his election, including Blessed Sacrament Parish in Alexandria, St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Falls Church, St. Philip Parish in Falls Church and Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Parish in Arlington.

Father Joel Jaffe, parochial vicar, celebrated the Mass at Blessed Sacrament and said that the congregation was excited about the news. After Mass, many of them stayed to talk about the new pope.

"I’m ecstatic that Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger has been elected pope," Father Jaffe said, adding that the new pope is a man who is able to bring the teachings of the Church and of Christ to everyday problems. "He is a joy-filled man. He will be a wonderful pope."

"The Holy Spirit was really working with his selection," said Father John Cregan, pastor, adding that Pope Benedict will be a great "source of strength and continuity" for the Church.

"We have a wonderful shepherd who is really a very gentle, joyful and humble man of God," he said. "It’s a sign of a new springtime in the Church as John Paul had looked forward to and spoke of many times."

As a cardinal, Pope Benedict became familiar with the workings of the Vatican and wrote many books, according to Father Kevin Walsh, pastor of St. Philip Parish.

His German roots will make the World Youth Day celebration this August even more special. Pope Benedict XV was pope during World War I and called for peace. St. Benedict is the patron of Europe, and Father Walsh believes this new pope will continue in both these men’s footsteps.

"He’s a brilliant man," he said. "People who know him say he’s a kind man. He seems holy and humble."