Message of Hope and Consolation from Bishop Konderla at the Requiem Mass for Pope Benedict XVI

Mourners heard a message of hope and consolation at the Requiem Mass for Pope Benedict XVI on Tuesday evening at Holy Family Cathedral. “We gather as a community to thank God for his gifts and to celebrate his life and pray for his soul,” the Most Rev. David Konderla, bishop of the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma, told the congregation. Priests from across the diocese concelebrated the Mass, attended by many worshippers.

In his homily, Bishop Konderla pointed out several themes in Benedict’s writings: longing for the Lord, the courage and confidence that comes from friendship with Jesus, and life-changing hope because of the Resurrection. “If we let Christ into our lives, we lose nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing of what makes life free, beautiful and great,” the bishop quoted. 
 
Benedict XVI died Dec. 31 at age 95