Election of a new Pope
Since the last newsletter, two weeks ago, we have mourned the loss of Pope Francis and prayed that he, who died on Easter Monday, will be raised by the Lord to the glory we celebrate through the season of Easter.
The conclave that will elect a successor to Pope Francis will open on Wednesday, May 7th . The conclave follows the traditional nine days of mourning for a deceased Pontiff which began on Pope Francis’ burial day. All Catholics are invited to pray for the success of the conclave and trust in God’s wisdom that whoever is elected will be a worthy successor of the Apostles. The Missal gives a prayer for this time in the life of the Church. May I suggest that each of us prays it daily during the days ahead:
O God, eternal shepherd, who govern your flock with unfailing care,
grant in your boundless fatherly love a pastor for your Church
who will please you by his holiness and to us show watchful care.
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. Amen.
Canon John
