A gift and a prayer
Re: "Huge crowds expected as Pope Francis lies in state", (World, April 25).
While the entire world mourns Pope Francis's death, tributes are paid, and memorials are held to pray for his repose.
My remembrance of the pope is done with due remorse, but with greater respect for him as a gracious, affable, and pious church leader.
In 2014, I was privileged to be appointed by His Holiness to the Pontifical Council for Culture, and this afforded me two cherished opportunities to greet His Holiness personally at the Vatican, and on both occasions, I was able to present him souvenirs, the first, a benjarong bearing the logo of my university and the second, my book of poetry in praise of former monarch late King Rama IX in 2017.
On receiving each gift, the pope was effusive in his smiles, and while thanking me, he also asked for my prayers for him. I was humbled by the pope's attitude and disposition towards me, and in keeping with the request he made the first time, I visited the Cathedral of Assisi, the home of Pope Francis' patron saint.
I recited the prayer of St Francis, and now, just when the day of Pope Francis' burial is dawning, I remember these lines:
"O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled, as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life."
