WESTWOOD, MASS. (WHDH) - Hundreds of thousands of people converged on the Vatican Saturday to bid farewell to Pope Francis — including a teacher from Massachusetts.
John Guinan is the dean of students and a church history teacher at Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood. When he realized Francis’ funeral would coincide with April vacation week, he hopped on a plane and headed to Rome.
“I wanted to be part of this historic moment and also pay my respects to a man who brought so much hope to millions of people across the world,” Guinan said.
He posted updates of his trip on Instagram for his students back home.
“It was really surreal to be there with people from all over the world paying tribute to Pope Francis, but also to be present for such an historical event in the world and for the church,” Guinan said.
During his time at the Vatican, Guinan waited in line to pay his respects to Francis inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Saturday morning, he was able to get a spot in the square, joining thousands of mourners to honor the pontiff.
“I would say the tone was certainly that of mourning but I think also of excitement. I think we all realized we were witnessing a really historic event,” Guinan said.
The nearly two-hour funeral Mass was a simpler version of papal funerals in the past, just as Pope Francis wanted. He personally revised and simplified the Vatican’s rites and rituals last year, aiming to emphasize the pope’s role as more of a pastor, and not one of power.
“I think it was a celebration of Pope Francis’ life, and it was significant for Pope Francis the person, but I think it was also significant because of the papacy itself,” Guinan said.
Guinan said the experience was one he will never forget — getting the chance to come together with other members of the Catholic faith to celebrate the pontiff.
“His pastoral approach and emphasis on mercy, on love, and on forgiveness. I think that is something that has really resonated, not only with Catholics, but with the world,” Guinan said.
He planned to share this experience back in Westwood with students in his church history class.
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