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Chaplain (Maj.) David Fitz-Patrick, 435th Air Base Wing head Catholic priest, celebrated Mass in remembrance of Pope John Paul II at the Ramstein Northside Chapel Sunday.
More than 350 members of the KMC attended the celebration where photos of the pope were highlighted with candles in the front of the chapel.
Outside the chapel, candles burned beside flowers and pictures on boulders in front of the building.
During his homily, Chaplain Fitz-Patrick recounted his own meetings of the pope.
“I met the Holy Father in person three times,” he said.
“I was rector at the Fairbanks Cathedral during the third meeting. The protocol official, Archbishop Pio Laghi, was intent on sticking to the schedule but when he came through the door where about 100 sick and physically disabled people were assembled, he said, ‘You know he can’t just speak to the crowd, he’ll want to spend time with every person, and now we’ll really be late.’ And they were because the pope did spend time with each and every person.”
Chaplain Fitz-Patrick continued his sermon describing the life of Pope John Paul II.
“He has been a true bridge-builder, showing us how to move from church to world, from altar to people, from Christ crucified on Calvary to Christ crucified in our own neighborhoods.”
The Mass ended with attendees viewing photos of the pope and lighting more candles outside.
