(April 20,2010) The funeral Mass of Czech Cardinal Thomas Spidlik, who passed
away April 16 was celebrated by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Dean of the College of Cardinals
in St. Peter’s Basilica on Tuesday morning. At the end of the Mass, Pope Benedict
XVI performed the funeral rites and delivered the homily. The Czech Jesuit cardinal
, who died at age 90 was a specialist in Eastern theology and spirituality. In
his homily, Pope Benedict focussed on the last words uttered by the late Cardinal
– “All my life I searched the face of Jesus, and now I am happy and peaceful because
I am gong to see it”. Describing this thought as simple and childlike, the Pope
said great men of faith, who live immersed in grace, are gifted with a special power
to perceive the truth and can cross even hardships, without losing confidence. Despite
his advanced age and the inevitable infirmities, Cardinal Spidlik’s spirit remained
fresh and youthful, he said. Thomas Spidlik was born in Boskovice, Czech Republic.
He was ordained priest in August 1949 and made his final profession as a Jesuit in
February 1958. He was elevated to the rank of Cardinal by Pope John Paul II in
the Consistory of 2003