Fall River Diocese To Honor Pope Benedict With Mass Of Thanksgiving

Pope Benedict the 16th is stepping down Thursday, the first Pope in 600 years to resign. 

The Fall River Diocese is holding a Mass of Thanksgiving Thursday at St. Mary's Cathedral in Fall River to honor the retiring Pontiff.  Bishop George Coleman will celebrate the Mass at 12:05. 

The Bishop's secretary, Father Karl Bissinger, says Benedict has never strayed too far from his roots as an educator... .

During his final public address yesterday at St. Peter's Square, Pope Benedict said he felt his strength diminish over the last month.  The Pope said that is why he decided to resign.