Friday, April 1, 2016

Death of a Theologian

The Holy Father has sent a telegram of condolence upon receiving the news of the death of Cardinal Georges Marie Martin Cottier, OP, former Theologian of the Papal Household, which occurred last night in Rome.


Telegram of Condolence
sent by the Holy Father, Pope Francis

To Madame Marie Emmanuelle Pastore Cottier
Carouge (Switzerland)

Saddened by the news of the death of your brother, Cardinal Georges Marie Martin Cottier, OP, I want to assure you that I share in the grief that touches all those who knew and esteemed this zealous servant of the Gospel.

With profound gratitude, I remember his solid faith, his paternal friendship and his fervent cultural and ecclesial acts, especially in service to Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI, as theologian of the Papal Household.

I pray fervently to the Lord, that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary and of Saint Dominic, He may grant to the deceased Cardinal the reward promised to his faithful disciples and, as a sign of comfort, I willingly impart an Apostolic Blessing to you and to all those who appreciated his priestly zeal and his devotion to the Church and the Sovereign Pontiff.

Francis

The funeral liturgy for Cardinal Cottier will be celebrated on Saturday morning, April 2, 2016 beginning at 8:30am at the Altar of the Chair in the Vatican Basilica.  The Mass will be celebrated by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Dean of the College of Cardinals, together with other Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops.  At the conclusion of the Eucharistic Celebration, the Holy Father will preside over the Rite of Final Commendation.

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