When Pope John Paul II died Saturday night in Vatican City, the world, the United States and The University of Memphis immediately recognized his life.
By order of President George W. Bush, the campus lowered the flags on campus by the fountain to half-staff, according to Curt Guenther, director of communications services.
Tonight the University Catholic Center will host its regular Wednesday prayer service, but this week's service will be dedicated to the memory of the pontiff.
"We wanted to offer something in case people cannot attend the mass Friday at the cathedral," said Brenda Kindelan, the campus minister for the Catholic Student Organization. "This will be open to everyone and is a time to come and pay respects."
The service will include the Liturgy of the Hours said by an ordained clergyman in honor of John Paul II. This service dates back to the early years of the church and asks for the repose of the soul of the deceased person, said Deacon Jim Schmall of the UCC.
Students at The U of M reacted to the pope's death in different ways, like many around the world have.
"I'm kind of sad about it because I'm a Catholic," said Michael Pickett, a senior psychology major. "He was such a good leader and had the charisma to bring people together around the world."
As for the future of the church, junior Shermida Fields thinks the Catholic Church should focus on the environment, as well as other important issues.
"Getting world peace is one thing, but there might not be a world after a while," she said.
On Friday at Immaculate Conception, Bishop J. Terry Steib will say a mass dedicated to Pope John Paul II. John Morris, director of communications for the Catholic Diocese of Memphis, pointed out other ways parishes and schools around the area are remembering the pope.
"Diocesan schools are out Friday for the memorial period out of respect for the Holy Father," he said.
He said parishes have set up memorials for the pontiff and some will have events on Thursday, the eve of the funeral.
With many leaders from around the world attending the pope's funeral Friday in Vatican City, they are showing unity among different religions. Kindelan mentioned that it is no different at The U of M.
"We received condolences from the Jewish student group," Kindelan said.
She attributed this to the pope's presence around the world during his lifetime and his media presence.
The prayer service on campus will be held at 5 p.m. at the University Catholic Center and the diocesan mass will be said at 7 p.m. Friday night.
