We join the universal church in praying for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis. Elected in 2013, Pope Francis served as head and shepherd of the Church for twelve years, perhaps most notably during the worldwide pandemic. He wrote several encyclicals, sponsored a synod, and established a special Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. Considered by some to be controversial, Pope Francis rightfully challenged our expectations about the Church’s preferential option for the poor, care for our common home, defense of migrants, and the dignity of the human person. He may be best remembered for his simplicity, humility, and eloquence. Please join us in prayer for the repose of the soul:

O God, faithful rewarder of souls, grant that your departed servant Pope Francis, whom you made successor of Peter and shepherd of your Church, may happily enjoy for ever in your presence in heaven the mysteries of your grace and compassion, which he faithfully ministered on earth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

At the same time, we pray for the next pope. May God direct the discernment of the College of Cardinals as they gather in about two weeks time to elect the next pope. Guided by the Holy Spirit, may they elect a good and holy man after the heart of Christ the Good Shepherd:

O God, eternal shepherd, who govern your flock with unfailing care, grant in your boundless fatherly love a pastor for your Church who will please you by his holiness and to us show watchful care. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

To read the Bishop Hicks Statement on the Passing of Pope Francis, please click here.

Please join us for our special Masses on Tuesday, May 6th and Wednesday, May 7th. The first will be a Memorial Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Pope Francis. The second will be for the election of our new pope. Both Masses will be offered at 6:30 P.M. and will be in lieu of our regularly scheduled 8 A.M. Daily Mass.