Special Issue 1.1.1 - APRIL 24, 2025
It's one of the Spiritual Works of Mercy - Pray for the Living and the Dead. Below are ways we can participate in this most important work of mercy.
1,000,000 Acts of Mercy Challenge
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace!
PRAY FOR THE LIVING AND THE DEAD
This Spiritual Work of Mercy is surprisingly simple and accessible to all, it is easy to forget that it is a work of mercy.
Praying for the dead reminds us of our mortality, and that we must work for our own salvation. Whenever we pray for the dead, we should seek to examine our own lives and contemplate the state of our soul.
Let us remember that in practicing the works of mercy we will be transformed and made into an image of Christ. For it is in giving that we receive.
Novena Following Pope Francis’ Death
The nine days of mourning, or Novendiales, start on Saturday in Memory of Pope Francis. Below are resources in English and Spanish, which can also be found on the USCCB's webpage https://www.usccb.org/novena-memory-pope-francis
Details from Vatican News: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2025-04/novendiales-the-schedule-for-the-nine-days-of-mourning.html
Masses for Pope Francis
A Mass for the repose of his soul was celebrated at the Cathedral, Monday, April 21, 2025.
Pope Francis’ funeral Mass in St. Peter’s Square will be held Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM (local time in Rome - GMT +2). This will begin the novena.
Additionally, local churches offer evening Vigil Masses on Saturdays and Masses on Sundays. Local Catholics can continue to pray for Pope Francis at these Masses.
Divine Mercy
Praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet is a powerful way to intercede for the souls of those who have passed, seeking God's mercy and eternal rest. It is a devotion that emphasizes the importance of trust in God's mercy https://www.thedivinemercy.org/message/devotions/chaplet.
Other Opportunities for Prayer
- Liturgy of the Hours
- Eucharistic Adoration
- other devotional prayers
- lectures on the teaching and legacy of the Pope
- activities for the relief of the poor offered for the intention of his soul
PRAYER FOR POPE FRANCIS
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, God, for ever and ever.
(From USCCB Liturgical Notes and Musical Resources for Use Upon the Death of Pope Francis, Collect, Option A)
Visit our webpage for Pope Francis resources like local Masses, links to live coverage, and links to news from the Vatican.
SOCIAL MEDIA
The Diocese has created social media graphics for sharing with the public. The graphics for the Spiritual Work of Mercy, Pray for the Living and the Dead, will be posted on Friday, as a reminder that the works need not be elaborate, they can be the small every day acts we may not notice we already do. The graphics can be found below and on the resources webpage. Please remember to invite your community to count their works towards the Mercy Challenge and log them at www.Mercy2025.org.
