Funeral homily, Cardinal always followed the light.

{vatican radio}

The funeral Mass of Cardinal Gilberto Agustoni took place in St Peters Basilica at 10am, 17th January. The Swiss Cardinal, who served as Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura from 1992-1998, died on January 13, aged 94.

The funeral Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, the former Vatican secretary of State and Dean of the College of Cardinals.

Greeting all those present on behalf of Pope Francis, Cardinal Sodano often likened Christian faith to light during his homily.

"In the first reading is Job, who already many centuries before Christ, professed his faith in the final resurrection say, 'I know that my redeemer lives, and my eyes will behold him.'"

Touching on Saint Paul's faith that Jesus will bring with him to God all those who have died, Cardinal Sodano then quoted the Gospel of Luke."'Be ready, dressed for action with your lamps burning,' ready to open the door to the Lord, who comes to call us. This is the Christian vision of life and death, which we wish to profess, especially at the moment a loved one departs from this world. It was this faith which always guided our dear Cardinal Gilberto."

He concluded with a further reflection on faith and light, comparing the "living flame of faith" in Dante's Divine Comedy, with Jesus' words "I came into the world as light, so that he who believes in me will not remain in darkness." Once again, he assured the congregation that this light had illuminated and guided the life of Cardinal Agustino.

Gilberto Agustoni was born in Switzerland in 1922 and ordained a priest in 1946. He held a number of appointments in Rome, beginning in the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, later becoming secretary of the Congregation for Clergy and finally Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura. Pope John Paul II made him a Cardinal in 1994.

(from Vatican Radio)

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