NATCHEZ &045; The bells at St. Mary Basilica tolled intermittently for more than an hour Saturday afternoon, marking the passing of Pope John Paul II.

Inside the church, several parishioners and visitors took time to pray for the pontiff who led Roman Catholics around the world for 26 years.

A large photo of Pope John Paul sat on an easel near the altar, near candles, many of which were lit in his memory.

And at Saturday afternoon Mass, Father David O’Connor shared some of the legacy of the pontiff, the third-longest serving pope.

&uot;Rather than a sense of sadness, I have a sense of gladness at the incredible example of leadership he gave us,&uot; O’Connor said.

St. Mary parishioner Mary Ann Mascagni arrived an hour early for Mass to pray for the pope.

She recalled having seen him in New Orleans when he visited in 1987.

&uot;I never in my life thought I would ever see a pope,&uot; she said.

Ruth McWilliams, another St. Mary parishioner, recalled that visit as well. A volunteer with the church youth group at the time, McWilliams began planning a trip for the group the day she heard the pope would be in New Orleans &045; a year before he arrived.

&uot;It was such a rewarding experience,&uot; she said.

The pope’s motto was the Latin &uot;totus tuus&uot; &045; &uot;totally yours,&uot; McWilliams said. The teenagers gathered for a youth service at the Superdome were taught that song before the pope arrived, and the entire stadium sang to him when he came in.

McWilliams recalled that St. Mary church members in their 80s went to see the pope in New Orleans.

Despite bad weather, they waited for a glimpse of him.

&uot;Just as he came out to say Mass, the sun came out,&uot; McWilliams said.

Judith and Irving Johnson, visiting Natchez this weekend from New Orleans, recalled a similar experience. They were in Rome in 2001 for the canonization of Katharine Drexel, the founder of Xavier University.

That day, a packed St. Peter’s Square was a &uot;sea of umbrellas,&uot; Judith said. &uot;It was pouring down rain. But when the pope came out, the son came out.&uot;

&uot;It was such a feeling whenever you were near him of someone who gave you a sense of peace,&uot; she said. &uot;It was so impressive to see the people and see the love that was there.&uot;

St. Mary parishioner Virginia O’Beirne said she hopes the pope’s teachings &045; such as his stance against abortion &045; will be perpetuated.

&uot;We have lost our shepherd, but what he stood for will always be with us,&uot; O’Beirne said.

O’Connor noted that the pope’s devotion to prayer and to the Eucharist. Catholics believe Jesus is present in the Eucharist &045; the bread and wine that becomes the body and blood of Christ. The pope had declared 2005 to be the year of the Eucharist.

O’Connor challenged those at Mass Saturday to take the pope’s teachings on the importance of prayer and the Eucharist to heart.

&uot;He had a sense he was in immediate contact with Jesus Christ the risen Lord,&uot; O’Connor said. &uot;Let’s honor him at the level that would be closest to his heart.&uot;