Ireland's Polish community: Members of Dublin's Polish community went in their hundreds to a special Mass yesterday, where they heard Pope John Paul described as "the greatest we have ever produced".
The Dublin church of St Michan's, which is also the Polish centre, was filled to capacity before the Mass but still they came, standing in the aisles downstairs and in the gallery, spilling over into the corridors outside.
There were people of all ages, but predominantly they were young.
As the Mass, which was conducted in Polish, began, many women and men were reduced to tears as they heard the prayers in their own language.
A picture of the Pope in a gold frame had been placed in front of the altar. At the side was the Polish flag.
Fr Andrew Pyka, the celebrant, who said a few words in English, told the congregation: "God called one of our own, the fruit of our Polish earth and country, to himself."
He said the Pope had gone in a peaceful way. "John Paul II returned to his maker; from God he came and to God he returned. We are grateful to him. To us of Polish origin, he's the greatest we've every produced."
He said even for those who were not of Polish origin, the Pope was a great leader.
He said the crowded church showed the generous and spontaneous response of the Polish people. "We did not announce it and you came."
That was what the Pope had conveyed to the people in St Peter's Square just before he died, said Fr Pyka.
Attending the Mass was the Polish Ambassador Witold Sobkow, who was visibly upset, and other members of the diplomatic service.
Outside the church, people spoke of their feelings.
Katherine Kazmierczak said: "For Polish people the Mass was important. We can feel like a whole big family. It is very sad for me as all my life there was one Pope. I can imagine now it will be something new."