Reclaiming Pope Francis And The Light Of Easter Octave

Valentine Obienyem

I have just read Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re’s homily at Pope Francis’s Requiem Mass, and it beautifully distils the late Pontiff’s essence as the Good Shepherd, whose papacy was marked by profound solidarity with the poor, a call to mercy, and a missionary zeal inspired by St Francis of Assisi. The sermon recalled his public blessings, journeys to refugee camps and conflict zones, and his vision of the Church as a “field hospital,” rooted in Gospel commands such as “Feed my sheep” and “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Importantly, the homily also addressed the “interpretative bias” that has sometimes cast Francis’s pastoral openness in a negative light – particularly among those who trade in controversy over his words and actions. By emphasising his fidelity to apostolic succession, his respect for Church teaching on mercy and human dignity, and his own writings (“Evangelii Gaudium”, “Fratelli Tutti”, “Laudato Si”), Cardinal Re reclaimed Francis’s legacy as one that seamlessly wove doctrinal faithfulness with courageous outreach.

Enjoy the Sermon: https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2025/04/26/pope-francis-funeral-homily-cardinal-re-250490

Reflecting on Pope Francis’s life and mission naturally led my thoughts to the importance of how we, as Catholics, continue to understand and live out the faith. Meanwhile, my friend, Fr. Maximus Okonkwo – whom I have had the privilege of reviewing most frequently – was once again an example of how to deepen that understanding. I have always maintained that as priests, it is essential that you ensure the congregation takes something meaningful home after every sermon. If you are not fulfilling this, it would be wise to reconsider your approach. These small takeaways contribute significantly to expanding our collective understanding of Christ and His Catholic Church.

Today, Fr. Maximus began by informing us that we are currently in the Easter Octave, the first eight days of Easter. Allow him to speak in the first person: “The Easter Octave is the eight-day celebration that begins on Easter Sunday and culminates today, known as Divine Mercy Sunday. Each day within the octave is treated as a continuation of Easter itself, observed with the highest liturgical solemnity, including the Gloria at Mass and readings focused on the appearances of the Risen Christ. This octave underscores the idea that the joy of the Resurrection is too immense to be confined to just one day, inviting the faithful to live in the light of Easter for a longer period. You may have also noticed that during the Octave, even funeral Masses were celebrated in white. Today, the incensing of the Paschal Candle ends.”

Building on this, Fr. Maximus elaborated on the devotion to Divine Mercy, tracing its origins and urging greater commitment to it. He clarified that missing the 3 p.m. prayer does not mean it cannot be recited at another suitable time. This is faith and reason at work. He also reflected on the mercy of God as the unbroken thread running from Genesis to Revelation in the Bible.

The Mass today also included prayers for our late Pope, and here again Fr. Maximus offered profound insights. He remarked that if Pope Francis were still alive, he would have canonised Blessed Carlo Acutis today, explaining that the new Pope, once elected, would perform the task. What does this signify? While the Pope can delegate the act of beatification to a bishop or cardinal, allowing them to preside over the ceremony in his name, canonisation is a different matter altogether. It is a solemn and infallible act of declaring someone a saint for the universal Church, an exercise of the Pope’s supreme teaching authority, and as such, it cannot be delegated.

Further deepening the discussion, Fr. Maximus addressed the cause of Blessed Iwene Tansi, explaining why he has not yet been canonised. He cautioned against attributing the delay to racial prejudice, affirming that canonisation follows a rigorous and solemn process governed by canonical requirements. He spoke particularly about the seriousness with which the Church investigates miracles, ensuring a thorough and uncompromising evaluation.

Listening to all this, I could not help but wonder-perhaps foolishly- why someone already enjoying the bliss of heaven would risk delaying their canonisation by withholding the miracles necessary for it.