Bishop Earl Fernandes will offer a special Requiem Mass for Pope emeritus Benedict XVI at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 2 at St. Joseph Cathedral, 212 E. Broad St.
Pope Benedict died at age 95 on Saturday morning, Dec. 31, three days after the Vatican announced that he was seriously ill. His passing into eternal life came nearly 10 years after he became the first pontiff to resign from the papacy in 600 years on Feb. 28, 2013.
Bishop Fernandes has invited priests in the diocese to concelebrate the Mass at the Cathedral and to offer Masses at their parishes for Benedict XVI.
The bishop has also asked parishes throughout the diocese to ring their church bells starting at 9:55 a.m. Monday, Jan. 2 for five minutes in union with the Cathedral bell being tolled at the same time.
Father Paul Keller, OP, interim director of the diocese’s Office for Divine Worship, encouraged the faithful to pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be to the Father immediately for the deceased former pontiff and also to recite the Rosary in the coming days for the repose of his soul.
Diocesan parishes have been asked to offer a special Mass for the retired pope between Jan. 2 and Jan. 10. Benedict XVI’s funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday morning, Jan. 5 in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican and telecast live by EWTN and other outlets.
Some diocesan parishes are also expected to hold special prayer services for Benedict XVI. Check parish websites or social media for scheduled times and days.