Mourning at LI's St. Agnes Cathedral

Around 7:25 a.m. staff at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre hung two purple-and-black awnings outside its front doors, symbolizing the pope's death. Then, as the 7:45 a.m. Mass began, a photo of Pope Francis was placed on the altar, surrounded by flowers from the previous day’s Easter Sunday services.

Diocese of Rockville Centre Bishop John Barres led the Mass for more than 30 attendees. He opened the service by addressing the pope's death, saying Francis had dedicated his life to others as the “light of Jesus Christ."

Barres said he was also touched by Pope Francis’ message at the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia in 2015.

“I always found that so powerful because … with all the stresses and strains ... what we've been through, from COVID to so many different global societal challenges ... he wanted everyone to step back and say, 'tThe daily sacrifices you're making for your families, they do transform the world in history with Christ's love.' ”

Rene Richardson, 72, of Roosevelt, said that she attends the 7:45 a.m. Mass daily and was saddened to hear of Francis’ death but happy he was able to celebrate Easter.

“We’re really grateful today that our bishop was here to comfort us, because that's what we needed today,” Richardson said. “We're going to pray for everyone that loved the pope, and that's the whole world. Who could not love the pope?”

Gilbert Ortiz, 62, of Valley Stream, who identifies as a devout Catholic and attends Mass daily, said: “I prayed for him,” after learning the news early Monday. “The first thing I asked was, 'I hope he's with the Lord right now, and hope he's at peace.' ”