Shillong: In a gesture of profound respect and mourning for the passing away of their beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis, the Archdiocese of Shillong has directed all Catholic Educational Institutions within its jurisdiction to remain closed on Friday, April 25, 2025.
The directive was issued on Thursday by the Auxiliary Bishop of Shillong, Most Rev. Bernard Laloo.
In a letter addressed to all principals and heads of Catholic schools, Bishop Laloo requested the closure as a mark of reverence for the Supreme Pontiff and the Successor of Peter.
“We are in the period of grief and mourning for the passing away of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis. As a gesture of our respect for the Supreme Pontiff and the Successor of Peter, May 1 request all the Catholic Educational Institutions to remain closed on Friday, the 25th. April, 2025 (With Proper information to the Education Department),” the letter stated.
Furthermore, Bishop Laloo has requested all parishes within the Archdiocese to hold a special Holy Mass on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 am, the day of the funeral.
“Let us continue to pray for the Church and our beloved Holy Father that the merciful Father welcomes him in His eternal abode. May I also request all the Parishes to have Holy Mass on the funeral day, Saturday, the 26. April, 2025, at 10.00 am. Let us place ourselves and the Church under the protection and intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary,” it stated.
ALSO READ: Karnataka food poisoning incident: 22 Meghalaya children return home
The announcement comes as the global Catholic community grapples with the loss of Pope Francis.
A special Requiem Mass was also held on Tuesday at 5:30 PM at the Cathedral Church in Shillong.
