Image: Diocese of Rouen

The funeral of Father Jacques Hamel, took place in Rouen cathedral on Tuesday. Hundreds of citizens stood in the rain to pay tribute to the 85 year-old priest murdered in his church by Islamist extremists last week, while he celebrated Mass.

Addressing the 1,500-strong congregation, Fr Jacque's sister Roselyne recalled how during his military service in Algeria her brother had refused an officer's grade so as not give the order to kill others. She said: "His refusal was categorical. He chose to serve God so that he can cultivate love and sharing and tolerance among people of all faiths and denominations, believers and non-believers, throughout his life."

She described how he was once the only survivor of a desert shootout. "He would often ask himself why me? Today, Jacques, our brother, your brother, you have your answer: Our God of love and misery chose you to be at the service of others," she said.

She said Father Hamel's message to everyone would be: "Let us learn to live together. Let us be the workers and artisans of peace, each one in his own way."

French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve, senior Catholic, Jewish and Muslim community leaders were among those attended the public service, led by Archbishop Dominique Lebrun. In his homily the Archbishop said: "As brutal and unfair and horrible as Jacques' death was, we have to look deep into our hearts to find the light."

He called for forgiveness, quoting the New Testament command to love your neighbours.

Fr Jacques was later buried in a private ceremony.

Tags: Hamel, Bernard Cazeneuve, Fr Jacques Hamel, Rouen

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