As we mourn the loss of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, the universal church enters a period of nine days of prayer, called Novendiales, a novena through which we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the loving and merciful arms of the eternal Father. This is a spiritual work of mercy and emerges from a profound communion we share as brothers and sisters who believe in the resurrection of Jesus and the gift of his Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity given to each of us. And so, by entering intentionally into the prayers each day, our spiritual work of mercy accompanies the Holy Father. That is a powerful means of joining our hearts together and a way in which we truly act in charity. I strongly encourage all of us to set some specific time aside each day over the next nine days to intentionally raise up prayers for the Holy Father.

In addition to our personal prayers, at the request of the Archbishop, Our Lady of Good Counsel will also host a Mass, celebrated by Archbishop Wiesenburger and open to the whole Archdiocese, on Friday, April 25, at 7:00pm. The evening will begin with a Rosary at 6:30pm. I strongly encourage everyone to participate in this Mass. Again, this particular spiritual work of mercy moves us into the sacramental realm, where the communion of saints and the ‘cloud of witnesses’ truly join us (as they do at every Mass). It is a privileged blessing to pray for those who have passed from this life, and so, may our hearts be ready and eager to offer these prayers. 

Finally, we are asked to set up a prayer space in the main church near the Easter candle. In light of that, you will see at the base of the Easter candle a kneeler so that prayers can be offered, along with a portrait of Pope Francis and a book to write prayer intentions. These are all parts of the beautiful communal prayer of the universal church.

The Archbishop will also have a Mass celebrated in Spanish on Wednesday, April 23, at Holy Redeemer parish.

Peace,

Msgr. Todd Lajiness