Father Emmett Johns’ funeral brings together people from all walks of life

A funeral mass was held Saturday at St. Patrick’s Basilica to celebrate the life of Father Emmett Johns.

The Dans la Rue founder, who devoted his life to helping the city’s homeless youth, passed away Jan. 13 at the age of 89.

READ MORE: Former homeless teen-turned-business-owner credits ‘Pops’ for his turnaround

The mass began at 10:30 a.m., but the basilica was open to the public at 9 a.m.

Eulogies were given by some of the many people whose lives were transformed because of Johns influence and caring.

Speakers highlighted his kindness, generosity, and his love of helping others.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante was in attendance, as were several other dignitaries, including former mayor Denis Coderre, Transport Minister Marc  Garneau, minister of Municipal Affairs Martin Coiteux and minister responsible for relations with english-speaking Quebecers Kathleen Weil.

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Coderre said Pops had inspired him to make homelessness a priority when he was in office, so it was important for him to attend Saturday’s service.

“It’s a matter of outreach – you don’t have to wait for them, you have to go where they are to make sure they will have some warmth, eat and some respect,” he said. “Clearly he saved a lot of lives so it’s important for us today to come and pay tribute.”

Many politicians stressed the importance of continuing the work Johns started.

“I think it’s important today but it’s also very important tomorrow, to realize what he did is not finished and we have to continue what he tried to do for youths in our society,” said former Montreal mayor, Gérald Tremblay.

Plante says the city will make sure Pops’ legacy lives on.

“We started to talk with Dans La Rue and we wanted to make sure that the process was appropriate and convenient for them. What we’re leaning towards is a park in the area where Pops was working, in the Centre-Sud,” she said.

READ MORE: Vigil held in Montreal for Father Emmett ‘Pops’ Johns

Though Johns didn’t have any biological children and left behind only a few family members, one of his cousins said that Pops considered everyone to be family.

“He loved, so much loved, being with family,” said Tina Johnson. “Any opportunity he would gather with family and those around him would become his family.”

A two-day public viewing was held in the Hall of Honour at City Hall to allow Montrealers to pay their respects and extend their condolences.

A vigil was also held last week in Montreal for the man affectionately known as Pops, who devoted his life to helping the city’s homeless youth.