PRAYER SERVICE IN HONOUR OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS
On the morning of 23rd April 2025, the staff and students gathered in a solemn and reflective spirit to honour the life and legacy of His Holiness Pope Francis. The prayer service was a heartfelt tribute to a man who, through his humility, courage, and unwavering faith, became a global symbol of peace, compassion, and moral leadership.
The service commenced with a floral tribute offered to Pope Francis, symbolising the deep love, respect, and gratitude that the MSM family holds for the pontiff. This was followed by a meaningful introduction by the Vice Principal, Rev. Bro. Rajesh Tirkey, who eloquently reflected on the Pope’s enduring influence on the world and the Church, highlighting his commitment to social justice, interfaith dialogue, and care for the marginalized.
Setting a meditative tone for the morning, the school choir led the gathering in a hymn that invited all present into a spirit of prayer and unity. One of the most touching moments of the service was the interfaith scripture readings, beautifully delivered by members of the faculty. These readings stood as a powerful testament to Pope Francis’s commitment to religious harmony and universal brotherhood.
The intercessory prayers read by the students were sincere and deeply moving. The intentions offered encompassed a wide spectrum of concerns and hopes — prayers for the well-being of the nation, peace across the world, the preservation of our environment, and the stability of the global economy. Special prayers were lifted for the poor and downtrodden, for the rights and protection of women and children, and for the Catholic Church in every corner of the world. The victims of the recent terrorist attack in Kashmir were remembered with compassion, and the school community — its parents, teachers, students, and Brothers — was also held in prayer. The final intention was a solemn prayer for the eternal rest of the soul of Pope Francis.
A closing prayer was offered, bringing the collective reflections and petitions to a peaceful end. This was followed by a second hymn by the school choir, leaving the assembly with a sense of calm and spiritual upliftment.
A video presentation was then screened, offering glimpses into the extraordinary life of Pope Francis — his humble beginnings in Argentina, his rise to the papacy, and the many ways in which he touched the lives of millions through his message of mercy, justice, and love.
The morning concluded with a heartfelt address by the Principal, Rev. Bro. Tomy Varghese. In his speech, he paid tribute to Pope Francis’s transformative leadership and reminded the MSM community of their responsibility to carry forward his message in their everyday lives — to lead with conscience, act with compassion, and remain rooted in faith.
The prayer service was a deeply meaningful occasion, one that not only honoured a global spiritual leader but also reminded every heart present of the power of faith, unity, and love in building a more just and peaceful world.