Meghalaya declares three-day state mourning in honour of Pope Francis

CORRESPONDENT

Shillong: The Government of Meghalaya has declared a three-day state mourning as a mark of respect for the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, the Supreme Pontiff of the Holy See. The observance will be held over two consecutive days, April 22 and 23, while the third day will coincide with the date of the Pope’s funeral, which will be announced separately. During the mourning period, the National Flag will be flown at half-mast at all government establishments across the state where it is customarily displayed. In keeping with the solemnity of the occasion, all forms of official entertainment will remain suspended. As Meghalaya joins the global Catholic community in mourning, a solemn Requiem Mass was held at the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians in Laitumkhrah, Shillong. The service was a poignant gathering of the clergy, members of religious congregations, and hundreds of lay faithful who came together in reverent prayer to commend the soul of Pope Francis to eternal rest. The Mass was presided over by Most Rev. Victor Lyngdoh, Archbishop of Shillong, who led the congregation through liturgical rites marked by sacred hymns, scriptural reflections, and moments of deep silence. The air was thick with emotion as the Archbishop offered tributes to the late Pontiff, highlighting his unwavering commitment to justice, humility, and compassion—a papacy that transcended the pulpit to touch the lives of millions across continents.

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