The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Castries has announced that the funeral of the late Cardinal Kelvin Felix will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 10:00 am in Castries.
The venue will be the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. A vigil service at the Cathedral on June 11 at 5:30 pm will precede the funeral.
The Archdiocese disclosed that Felix will be buried at the Cathedral grounds in his homeland, Dominica, according to his wishes.
Felix, Archbishop Emeritus of Castries, died on Thursday at 91.
Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit described him as “a Dominican cleric of exceptional standing who entered the priesthood in 1956 and was consecrated Archbishop in 1981.”
“As we mourn his passing, we remember his invaluable service to the Church and the faithful,” Skerrit stated.
Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and opposition leader Allen Chastanet also paid tribute to the late cleric and his legacy.
In addition, Vatican News reported that in a telegram sent on Saturday, Pope Francis said he was “saddened to learn of the Cardinal’s death” and expressed his condolences to the clergy, religious, and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Castries and the Church in the West Indies. He recalled Felix’s dedicated episcopal ministry in Saint Lucia with gratitude.
The Pope also paid tribute to the late Cardinal’s efforts in educating young people and his contribution to the Church throughout the Caribbean.
“I willingly join you in commending his soul to the love and mercy of our Heavenly Father,” wrote the Pope.
Pope Francis also imparted his Apostolic Blessing upon all those who will participate in his funeral Mass.
