Giving thanks

Finally, on the day following the Beatification liturgy, the flock found its way back to St. Peter's Square, this time for the celebration of a special Mass of Thanksgiving.  Like the Vigil of Saturday evneing, and the Mass of Beatification, there was time for greetings to be shared between the Blessed's former secretary (in Polish) and the Secretary of State, Tarcisio Cardinal Bertone.

Cardinal Bertone went on to preside at the entire Mass, accompanied by his brothers (Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Religious and faithful) as an act of gratitude to the Father for having bestowed such an honor on John Paul.  For his part, the text of Cardinal Bertone's homily has also been translated into various languages. The entire text is available on the Vatican website in English, Italian and Spanish.

The parade of faithful in and out of the Basilica as they each took the time necessary for veneration of the body of John Paul II, continued late into the evening hours of Monday as well, but came to an end at the end of the day.