A shout of ``We love you'' filled the sanctuary, and within seconds more than 200 people were applauding the grieving father of Terri Schiavo.

They clapped until Schindler quietly delivered the message he came to the cathedral to say: ``Thank you.''

The crowd quieted, and Schindler continued: ``I just thank you so, so much.''

Thanking supporters became a nightly routine for the Schindler family, who often navigated the crowd of protesters outside Hospice House Woodside, where Schiavo lay dying for the past two weeks.

After her death Thursday morning, supporters hastily organized a memorial service to remember Schiavo, whom most people knew solely from TV and newspapers.

Schindler was the only member of Schiavo's immediate family to attend the nearly hourlong service. Brother Paul O'Donnell, the Schindlers' spiritual adviser, said the family will hold a memorial service early next week.

Schindler apologized to congregants for arriving in shorts and a short-sleeved shirt, telling them he hadn't planned on attending services Thursday.

He remained at the service about 15 minutes, hugging people as he walked out.

The Rev. Terry Gensemer, of Fairfield, Ala., told the audience that Schiavo's death was not in vain. There would be a lasting political impact from her case, he predicted.

Likening Schiavo's case to a passage from the Gospel of John about a seed-bearing fruit, Gensemer said, ``There has been a seed planted in the government of the United States, and it will bear fruit.''

He said he expected more legislative action aimed at protecting people in Schiavo's condition.

Marlene Doyle and her mother, Jane Janes, both of Pinellas Park, attended Thursday's service simply to pay respects, they said.

``We felt all along it was in God's hands,'' Doyle said.

She said that although they have followed the case closely, they never went to the hospice. She said she felt she knew Schiavo better after the service.

Monsignor Thaddeus Malanowski, who has ministered to Schiavo for four years, recounted several behind-the- scenes moments from the previous two weeks, including giving Schiavo Communion and last rites.

He said Schiavo remained vibrant in the days after the removal of her feeding tube, smiling and laughing and interacting with her parents.

``They may have the body,'' he told the congregation, ``but we have her soul.''

Reporter Anthony McCartney can be reached at (813) 259-7616.