The Funeral Mass for Pope Francis will be celebrated on Saturday, April 26th at 10:00 a.m. Rome Time (4:00 a.m. EDT). EWTN will begin their live broadcast at 3:00 a.m. EDT. They will also have Encore showings at 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. the same day.
At our Parish we will begin praying a 9-Day Novena and additional Liturgies for Pope Francis as follows:
Day 1, April 26: At the conclusion of 6:00 p.m. Vigil Mass
Day 2, April 27: At the Conclusion of both the 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Mass
Day 3, April 28: At the end of the 7:30 a.m. Communion Service
Day 4, April 29: Concluding Evening Adoration at 7:45 p.m. with Night Prayer
Day 5, April 30: Novena at the end of 7:30 a.m. Mass & will have a Parish Memorial Mass at 6:00 p.m.
Day 6, May 1: Novena beginning of the 8:00 p.m. Praise & Worship Adoration
Day 7, May 2: At the end of 7:30 a.m. Mass
- First Friday Adoration from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. for the intentions of the repose of the Soul of Pope Francis, the upcoming Conclave & New Pope, for the conversion of our own hearts and the world, and for Vocations.
- The Bishop Persico will celebrate the Diocesan Memorial Mass for Pope Francis at 5:15 p.m. at St. Peter's Cathedral. Everyone is encouraged to attend.
Day 9, May 4: Before the 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Mass
Also, throughout the Novendiales period you will also be able to pray before a relic of Saint Francis of Assisi (the reason he picked the name Francis); Saint Francis Xavier (the co-founder of the Jesuit order that he was a member of and our Patron) and a Zucchetto worn by him. We use these objects to point us to relationship with the Lord that unites us all.
These are extraordinary days of our institutional church; but they are made ordinary by the governing grace of the Risen Jesus. Remember, it is still Easter and a time to also celebrate his presence among us and the challenge to live his love by action in our lives. This is also a time to renew our efforts in praying for more Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life; and the continued holiness of the Vocation of the Married and single life. As you pray before the above-mentioned items this weekend, thank the Lord for Pope Francis’ example and the challenge before us to pray for more laborers in the vineyard. As you continue to celebrate let our Easter celebrations also reflect the joy of Jesus who conquers all things including sin and death.
More information will be coming regarding prayer in preparation for the Conclave, etc., but in the meantime let the Spirit guide your prayer to give thanks, mourn, and rejoice in the life of Pope Francis as we pray: “Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him….May he Rest in Peace.”
You can also visit:
Diocese of Erie Webpage on Pope Francis
USCCB Webpage on Pope Francis