SCDSB Family Mourns the Loss of Pope John Paul II

Students, parents and staff of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board mourned the death of His Holiness, John Paul II by holding special prayers services in Catholic Schools throughout the region of Greater Sudbury. At this time of great loss, our schools are also celebrating the incredible life of this extraordinary man. Pope John Paul’s commitment to social justice, the vulnerable, international unity and youth, is a source of inspiration to many people especially the youth in our Catholic school communities. As a former teacher, Pope John Paul was an advocate for Catholic education. During his visit to Ontario in 1984, the Holy Father spoke of Ontario’s Catholic schools as a blessing not only for Catholics, but also for the nation, as the country was “enriched by the intellectual and moral formation Catholic schools provide for their students.”

Having learned of the death of Pope John Paul II, His Excellency, Jean-Louis Plouffe, Bishop of the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie shares the following statement. “The world and the Catholic Church are different today thanks to the presence among us of this spiritual giant. We have so much for which to be thankful, having benefitted from the life and wisdom of this exceptional leader.”

The Holy Father’s dedication to youth is reflected in the wonderful tradition and celebration of faith that he initiated called World Youth Day. As Canadians we were honoured to host the most recent World Youth Day in 2002. The memories of that event continue to invigorate the thousands of youth from our school communities and around the world who were encouraged to go out and be “the light of the world and salt of the earth.”

A book of condolences is placed in each of the schools for students, staff and parents to sign to mark the passing of His Holiness John Paul II.

St. Paul Catholic School students hold candles as a tribute to Pope John Paul II during a prayer service held at the school.