By Deacon Eric Gurash
Regina, SK – May 8, 2025—As the conclave to elect a new pope began in Rome on Wednesday, May 7, the faithful of the Archdiocese of Regina gathered for a special memorial Mass for Pope Francis and for the guidance of the Holy Spirit upon the College of Cardinals. The liturgy was held at St. Anne’s Parish in Regina during the week of the archdiocese’s annual clergy retreat.
Many clergy from across southern Saskatchewan and local parishioners attended the Mass. St. Anne’s Parish community graciously provided ministries during the liturgy, with music and prayer which included readings and prayers in English, French, and Pope Francis’ first language, Spanish
In his homily, Archbishop Donald Bolen offered reflections on Pope Francis’s life and legacy, highlighting the Pope’s unwavering commitment to mercy, humility, and servant leadership.
“We in the Archdiocese of Regina are united with Catholics throughout the world—and many outside the Church as well—in giving thanks for the life of Pope Francis,” Archbishop Bolen said. “We are asking God’s profound blessing: the blessing of mercy, the blessing of the Holy Spirit, and the blessing of guidance on the Cardinals who have now entered into the conclave.”
Drawing on readings chosen for the Mass, the Archbishop emphasized that these were not intended to canonize Pope Francis, but to reflect the messages he (Pope Francis) wanted the Church to hear. “The first reading from Ezekiel,” he noted, “speaks of God stepping in when the shepherds fail to seek out the lost, to bind up wounds, and to care for his flock. Pope Francis deeply understood his role as a shepherd in the name of Jesus.”
Reflecting on Pope Francis’ emphasis on mercy, Archbishop Bolen referenced the second reading from Ephesians: “May we come to know the breadth and length and height and depth of the love of Christ. At the heart of Pope Francis’ ministry was that word—mercy—which this text encapsulates so powerfully. The name of God is mercy.”
In powerful retrospect, Bolen described Holy Thursday’s liturgical practice of washing feet as one that best captured Francis’ papacy.
“Francis wanted to communicate the gesture of God before the human race—the gesture of Jesus, stooping to wash his disciples’ feet,” he said. “That’s why, on Holy Thursday, he would go not to cathedrals, but to prisons, to the margins. He washed the feet of the wounded, the sinful, the forgotten.”
Archbishop Bolen also recalled an extraordinary moment in 2019, when Pope Francis knelt to kiss the feet of South Sudanese leaders in a dramatic plea for peace. “It was not to say, ‘you are great leaders,’ but to say: be servants. Put your authority at the service of those in need.”
As the Church enters a new period of discernment and transition, Archbishop Bolen urged the faithful to pray for a leader who will continue Francis’ legacy of humble service and deep compassion.
“We ask that the Holy Spirit come down upon the conclave and bless those Cardinals with those same gifts—the desire to be servants, to be good shepherds, and to speak the language of mercy with their lives.”
