Saipan offers prayers for JFK Jr., Carolyn and Lauren

A Memorial Mass for John F. Kennedy Jr., his wife Carolyn Bessette and her sister Lauren Bessette was held Saturday at the San Jose Church.

Saipan residents offered their prayers to the three young people who died in a plane crash last July 17 while on their way to a wedding in Massachusetts. They were aboard a six-seat Piper Saratoga II HP piloted by the young Kennedy.

At the Homily, Father Matthew Blockly spoke about the life of Kennedy Jr. and his family as an epitome of charity.

“The Kennedy family has shown genuine concern for humanity, and that’s something for us to learn from, no matter what we have in life,” Father Matthew said.

Father Matthew spoke of the Kennedys as a “devoted Catholic family devoted to the Diocese of New York.”

A photo of the Kennedy couple was on display at the altar along with the US and CNMI flags during the Mass.

Father Matthew said the Memorial Mass on Saipan was an expression of the CNMI’s “unity with the US government in expressing condolences to the Kennedy family.”

“The Catholic souls of the world join in unity to express their condolences to the family,” Father Matthew added.

Father Matthew was in California when the fatal accident took place.

“It was my intention to celebrate a Mass for them when I return here. I discussed it with members of the Parish Council,” he said.

A book for condolences, signed by devotees during the Mass, will be presented later to the Kennedy family.