The faithful throughout the Church of Philadelphia are praying for the happy repose of Pope Francis’ soul following news that he died in the early morning hours of Monday, April 21 in Rome.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office for Divine Worship released guidelines for private and public liturgical prayer in the days before and after the Mass of Christian Burial for the pope.
Details of the funeral are still forthcoming as of Monday afternoon.
According to a two-page document sent to all clergy in the Philadelphia region, the faithful are asked to pray for the happy repose of the soul of Pope Francis using the customary Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be to the Father prayers and the prayer for the dead (“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let Your perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.”).
All are asked to share this prayerful intention within their social media networks.
Students in Catholic schools and parish religious education programs (PREP) also are invited to recite these prayers for the late pope.
Praying the rosary, either individually or in groups, is encouraged.
Churches, chapels, and institutions of the Church are encouraged to display a portrait of Pope Francis, which may include black bunting.
The guidelines encourage priests of the archdiocese to plan for the public celebration of Masses for Pope Francis at a convenient time before or after his funeral in Rome.
During the universal prayer at Mass, a petition for the happy repose of the soul of the pope may include one of the following examples:
- That Pope Francis, called to the heavenly kingdom by the Lord, may rejoice forever at the banquet table of heaven, we pray to the Lord.
- That Pope Francis, who served the Church as Supreme Pontiff, may worship God for ever in the liturgy of heaven, we pray to the Lord.
- That the tireless efforts of Pope Francis, now called to the Lord, may bear fruit in unity, peace and love among all men and women, we pray to the Lord.
Individuals or communities of the faithful also are invited to pray the Liturgy of the Hours for the intention of the Holy Father, using the Office of the Dead at the appropriate hours.
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