Pope Benedict XVI, Rest in Peace
Editor's note: The following message is from Bishop Timothy Freyer, Garden Grove, California —
Dear Clergy and all the Faithful of the Diocese of Orange,
Peace be with you!
Following the news received on Dec. 31 from the Vatican of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, and on behalf of Bishop Vann, we invite all to our Diocesan Memorial Mass on Thursday, Jan. 5, at 7 p.m. at Christ Cathedral.
The Mass will also be livestreamed.
Priests are welcome to concelebrate. They should bring an alb and red stole.
Retired Pope Benedict XVI passed away Dec. 31 at 9:34 a.m. (eastern time), in his residence at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican Gardens. Pope Francis is scheduled to preside over the funeral Mass Jan. 5 in St. Peter's Square.
All parishioners, including children, should be encouraged to pray for Pope Benedict XVI, suggestions include
Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be
Join in Hallow's Community Challenge: Pope Benedict XVI
Prayer for the repose of the soul of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI from Vatican News:
Father, eternal shepherd, hear the prayers of your people for your servant Benedict, who governed your Church with love. In your mercy, bring him with the flock once entrusted to his care to the reward you have promised your faithful servants.
May he who faithfully administered the mysteries of your forgiveness and love on earth, rejoice with you for ever in heaven. In your wise and loving care, you made your servant teacher of all your Church. He did the work of Christ on earth. May your Son welcome him into eternal glory.
May your servant whom you appointed high priest of your flock be counted now among the priests in the life of your kindgom. Give your servant the reward of eternal happiness and let your mercy win for us the gift of your life and love.
We entrust your servant to your mercy with faith and confidence. In the human family he was an instrument of your peace and love. May he rejoice in those gifts for ever with your saints.
Amen.
