RIS Ruamrudee Holds Memorial Mass for Pope Francis
The RIS Ruamrudee International School community joins Catholics around the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. To commemorate his life and legacy, a special all-school memorial Mass was held on Wednesday morning, April 30, 2025, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church.
Led by Fr. Pete Jittapol Plangklang, C.Ss.R., Provincial Superior of the Redemptorists of Thailand and School Director of RIS Ruamrudee International School, the Mass gathered students, faculty, parents, and staff in solemn remembrance and spiritual reflection.
In a heartfelt message shared with the community, Fr. Pete wrote:
“With deep sorrow, we at RIS Ruamrudee International School join the global Catholic community in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. His life was a radiant testament to humility, compassion, and unwavering faith. As a spiritual shepherd, Pope Francis inspired millions through his tireless advocacy for peace, justice, and care for the marginalized. His profound messages of mercy and love transcended borders and touched the hearts of people from all walks of life. On behalf of our entire school community, I extend heartfelt condolences to the Holy See and to all who mourn the loss of this extraordinary leader. We give thanks for his life of service and pray that his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. May he rest in the eternal peace of our loving God.”
During the Mass, Fr. Pete offered a powerful reflection, highlighting six core values from Pope Francis’s life that continue to shape the Church and inspire the faithful:
- Simplicity of Life
Fr. Pete recalled Pope Francis’s well-known call: “How I long for a poor Church for the poor.” He lived this ideal through his personal humility—choosing modest housing, simple transportation, and plain liturgical vestments. His simplicity was not symbolic, but sincere, reflecting the Gospel’s call to live close to the poor. - A Healing Church
Pope Francis envisioned the Church as a “field hospital,” a place that draws near to those who are wounded and hurting. Fr. Pete emphasized his deep compassion for the excluded, the displaced, the poor, and the vulnerable—those most in need of mercy and accompaniment. - Joy
Quoting from Evangelii Gaudium, Fr. Pete reminded the community: “An evangelizer must never look like someone who has just come back from a funeral!” Pope Francis taught that the Christian life is one of deep and abiding joy—joy in Christ, in serving others, and in walking together as a community of faith. - Hope
In a world marked by division and crisis, Pope Francis remained a prophet of hope. His encyclicals—Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti—did not simply diagnose global problems; they invited conversion and hopeful action. As Fr. Pete reflected, “We are called to be people of hope, trusting in God’s plan and becoming builders of a better world.” - Love
For Pope Francis, love was not theoretical—it was active, concrete, and embodied. “Love is shown more by deeds than by words,” he often said. His care for the homeless, the sick, and the imprisoned challenged all Christians to live out love with authenticity and courage. - Peace
Fr. Pete described Pope Francis as a tireless advocate for peace—whether speaking against war and violence, or building bridges through interfaith dialogue. His leadership reminded the world that peace is possible when it begins with justice, listening, and compassion.
A Lasting Mission
Fr. Pete closed his homily with a reflection that echoed Pope Francis’s lasting impact:
“Pope Francis helped the Church rediscover her mission: not power, but service; not judgment, but mercy; not fear, but joy. Let us honor his memory by walking the path he showed us—close to Christ, close to the poor, and always moving forward with joy, hope, love, and peace.”
The RIS Ruamrudee community remains grateful for the opportunity to gather in faith and unity, celebrating the life of a Pope whose vision transformed hearts and brought the Church closer to the world’s most vulnerable. Photos from the memorial Mass capture the reverence, togetherness, and spirit of hope that filled the church that morning.
