Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Peacemaker Hume to be laid to rest in Derry today
JOHN HUME DEATH: STREETS OF DERRY ILLUMINATED IN TRIBUTE
» Candles put on doorsteps & in windows in homage to icon » Family’s plan to honour hero & stop crowds greeting coffin
CANDLES flickered in almost every door and window across Derry last night in memory of John Hume.
Urged by his family to remain home and stay safe from coronavirus, thousands of people complied and resisted the natural urge to line the streets in tribute to the man many regarded as the architect of the peace process.
It was not the first time the people of Derry had been asked to demonstrate restraint for Mr Hume and with his funeral planned for today, it wouldn’t be the last.
He passed away early on Monday morning after a short illness, triggering a wave of grief around the place he called home and much, much further afield.
Mr Hume’s wicker coffin arrived at St Eugene’s Cathedral shortly after 8.30pm. His children and grandchildren gathered around his widow Pat and together they walked behind.
SDLP members, councillors, the mayor and other officials held candles as they formed a guard of honour in the pouring rain.
A small crowd gathered at the foot of the driveway but most people stayed home as the family requested.
The former SDLP leader’s relatives had asked for common sense in the midst of the Covid-19 crisis.
His family urged the public to follow the guidance for the cortege’s journey when it left Moville in Co Donegal at 7.30pm bound for St Eugene’s.
A family statement read: “John loved the people of Derry and Donegal.
“The heartfelt and sincere condolences that we have received from people across the island, but particularly from the communities John loved to be a part of, have been immensely comforting for us.” A message released by the family after news of Mr Hume’s death was announced on Monday added: “We know that he would have prioritised public health and the safety and health of our communities. We’re asking people to follow that guidance, please do not put yourself or others at risk.
“Instead we would ask that people light a candle for peace at 9pm in their homes or at their door.” Fr Paul Farren,
administrator of St Eugene’s Cathedral, said the Hume family were deeply grateful for the messages of support and love but urged people to respect their wishes and stay away.
He added: “Pat and her family are very grateful for the outpouring of love and support following the death of their beloved John.
“The family are anxious that a public gathering for John’s funeral might inadvertently put someone’s health at risk in the context of the current Covid-19 pandemic.
“They are asking that people express their grief by staying at home and joining with the
Hume family in a Celebration of Light for Peace.”
“Instead of lining roads and streets to show respect to John, it is the wish of the Hume family that we remain at home and, at 9pm, light a candle and join with the family to pray the Prayer for Peace of Saint Francis of Assisi in the presence of John’s body in the cathedral.
“This Celebration of Light for Peace is a fitting tribute to a much loved and distinguished Irishman.”
The Hume family said they will plan a memorial which more people from his beloved home city can attend at a suitable time when the health risks are lower.
With his health deteriorating little by little over the last two years, those who loved Mr Hume and knew him best knew the end was coming.
Braced for their loss, they might have expected the comfort of a fitting goodbye, with huge crowds lining the roads to pay their final respects to this man of peace.
Instead they must wait for a memorial service for the Nobel laureate and remember him a t a safe distance from those who understand their pain.
Pat and her family are very grateful for the outpouring of love FR PAUL FARREN ON THE HUME FAMILY YESTERDAY