On this day in 1958 a requiem Mass was celebrated for Pope Pius XII, who died on 9th October that year. He had spent almost 20 years in the chair of St Peter, and had led the Church throughout the difficult years of the Second World War. The Cathedral's notice book for 12th October 1958 includes the entry: "Pontifical Requiem for Pope Pius XII tonight at 6.30. It is your duty to be present tonight to pray for the soul of the Pope who has done so much to help you in your spiritual life – so you must all be present. The Mayor and Deputy were to come to the service, but have to attend services already fixed previously."
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