Fr Gian Matteo Serra OP, Rector of the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva writes to Cardinal Vincent:
It is with sincere emotion that I write to Your Eminence upon hearing that our beloved Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, whose Titular Basilica has been Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome, has returned home to the Father.
Each occasion that I had the joy to encounter His Eminence was an experience of his profound humanity, which especially impressed me as a young priest and Rector of the Basilica, when I felt truly welcomed, encouraged and accompanied by him.
Personally, and on behalf of the community of Dominican friars at the priory of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, we offer the assurance of our prayers for the repose of his soul, with great fraternal affection. We entrust him to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of the Rosary, and to the mercy of God who infinitely more than us has been able to see the goodness and sincerety of the heart of his devoted son, whom he called to serve his Church and whose response was joyful and generous.
