BEAUMONT -
There was a historic mass held Thursday at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica. Bishop Curtis Guillory asked the Catholic community to pray for the Cardinals who are now in the process of choosing a new Pope.
The church bells chimed 85 times at the Basilica; one chime commemorating each year of Pope Benedict XVI's life.
Dozens gathered in prayer to meditate on the Pope's 8-year tenure that came to an end Thursday.
"It was very moving; a little sadness actually," said Bishop Curtis Guillory as he spoke about watching live coverage from the Vatican.
Bishop Guillory has known the Pope since he was a Cardinal and has visited him at the Vatican in Rome.
Guillory and parishioners say that although the Pope's resignation breaks tradition, it shows bravery.
"I certainly feel he had courage to take that step that hasn't been taken in 600 years," said Guillory.
"It is truly and indication of courage to admit that he just doesn't have the capability right now," said parishioner Carolyn Fernandez.
In Guillory's homily, he preached that the Pope's decision to resign wasn't fate; that it was in God's plan. It was a message that parishioners say they can use in their own lives.
"I can be conscious to know when I need to step aside and when I need to ask for help. I'm human just as the Pope is," says Fernandez.
While the world watches for white smoke to billow out of the Vatican, a symbol that a new Pope has been named, there was a special symbol that has never before been seen at the Basilica.
A papal bell and papal umbrella, both blessed at the Vatican, were carried from the front of the church to the back of the church where they'll sit until a new Pope is named.
The Basilica is the only church in Southeast Texas that houses these two symbolic fixtures. If a Pope ever visits Southeast Texas, he will go to the Basilica. The umbrella will be used over his head and the bells will be carried in front of him to let the public know that the Pope is coming.
But, for now, the world is watching and waiting to see who the new Pope will be.
"I believe that extraordinary things happen through ordinary people and that God uses us. So, through the power of prayer, the right person will be selected," said Fernandez.
"I think anyone who will be picked, will be the right person," said Guillory.
