Requiem Masses for Pope John Paul II will be celebrated in all five Roman Catholic parishes in Pembrokeshire.

And, in keeping with the late Pope's ecumenical zeal, all denominations are invited.

The service at St David and St Patrick's Church, Haverfordwest, takes place at 10am on Sunday, while the mass at St Francis Church, Milford Haven, takes place at 7pm on Thursday.

The service at Tenby's Holyrood and St Teilo Church took place on Tuesday, while the Church of the Holy Name at Fishguard's requiem was held on Wednesday, while a prayer vigil at St Michael's Church, St Davids, was held on Monday.

Milford Haven funeral director Frank Newing has a key role to play in the celebration of the life of an outstanding Pope.

Two years ago he was honoured for his role in Catholic affairs by a Papal Knighthood - Knight of the Equestrian Order of St Gregory the Great - an honour he shares with former county councillor Alan Mace, of Tenby, who received his in 2000.

Mr Newing should have been in Westminster Cathedral on Tuesday for the inauguration of a new Papal Nuncio for England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, but now that must wait.

Cllr Mace, as one of only two Roman Catholic members of Dyfed County Council in 1982, attended the Papal Mass in Pont Canna Fields, Cardiff.

Local people will remember the Pope's meeting with Haverfordwest's Mary Immaculate School Band, its founder Michael Ronan and founder conductor Joffre Swales in St Peter's Square, Rome, in 1981. Only weeks before, the Pope was wounded by a would-be assassin.

St Francis Church, Milford Haven, is flying the Papal flag at half mast and has set up a modest shrine in the church, which has been visited by a large number of people, including non-Catholics.

Fishguard's Record of Condolence has also been signed by many.