On the Passing of Pope Francis

Dear Parish Family, 

Easter Octave rejoicing continues all this week, and now bolstered by the fine spring weather we are having. Even so, we are also sounding a long note of lamentation for our Holy Father, Pope Francis. His recent hospitalization had prepared us for this somewhat, but the sense that he was convalescing made the news Monday morning of his passing something of a surprise. And so we join with all of Holy Church in these nine days of mourning, praying for the eternal repose of his now-departed soul. 

Liturgically speaking, Our Lord’s triumph over death is of such supreme importance that no requiem Masses are permitted during the Octave of the Resurrection. Nevertheless, we will remember our dear deceased Holy Father in our Prayers of the Faithful and the mementos of the Mass. I encourage you to plead with the Sacred Heart for his sake when you visit the adoration chapel and in your private or family prayers as well. 

Speaking of octaves, today marks the beginning of the Novena of St. Mark that will frame the “Octave of St. Mark” running this Friday to May, when we have been given permission to celebrate the Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist. April 25, ordinarily our patron’s feast day, will be observed non-liturgically by the Hog Roast that evening (5pm start time–Marcan trivia starting around 6!). I invite you to join me in praying the Novena for our parish and its people, but also in a special way for Pope Francis’ soul. We prove our love for the dead not only by honoring their memory but by preserving in pleading the Lord’s mercy upon them, to speed them on to their eternal reward. 

In the light of our Risen Lord, 

Fr. David