Memorial Mass for our Holy Father Pope Francis at the Cathedral of St. Joseph.
More than 80 faithful from various parishes in the Ohio Valley came together on very short notice this evening to pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis at a special Mass organized by the Bishop Mark Brennan and the Cathedral staff upon the pontiff’s passing this morning.
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.
The Church around the world enters the Novendiales (nine days of mourning) as traditionally directed by the College of Cardinals. Let us join our brothers and sisters in Christ and honor our servant Pope Francis by finding time throughout the day to pray a reverent Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.
That is exactly what he did as he stepped out into St. Peter’s Square in Rome moments after the Mass of Inauguration on March 19, 2013, when he was the newly elected Pontiff.
Praise be to God. Bless his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of Christ our Lord.
