Masses offered for outgoing Pope

IN THE last 48 hours, masses in the country have been offered for the well-being of the outgoing Pope Benedict XVI.

Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) secretary general Msgr. Joselito Asis said churches have been offering masses for the Pontiff since Wednesday.

"Since yesterday (Wednesday), we have asked religious congregations, contemplative convent, monasteries, dioceses to pray for the Holy Father," said Asis.

He said this would be among their final acts as they bid adieu to the head of the Roman Catholic Church.

"Starting tomorrow (Friday), the name for Pope Benedict will not be mentioned (in masses) any longer," Asis said.

At 3 a.m. on Friday (Manila time), the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI will take effect, marking the first papal resignation in six centuries.

In the next few days, the 115 cardinal-electors are set to assemble for their closed-door conclave at the Sistine Chapel that will elect the Pontiff's successor.

And with the conclave just in the horizon, churches in the Philippines are now being encouraged to offer masses for the elections of Benedict's successor.

According to the "Liturgical Notes and Considerations For Use Upon The Resignation Of The Pope," CBCP – Episcopal Commission on the Liturgy (ECL) secretary general Fr. Genaro Diwa said prayers are also urged for the forthcoming conclave.

"Once the Pope's resignation takes effect, both the Diocesan Bishop and priests in every parish might consider offering a special Mass for the election of the Pope," said CBCP-ECL executive secretary Fr. Genaro Diwa.

Also urged to be included in the mass are three petitions in the Prayers of the Faithful:
* That the Holy Spirit will inspire and strengthen the Cardinal-electors as they choose a new Holy Father to lead us, we pray to the Lord.
* That the College of Cardinals in its electoral process may be a worthy vehicle of God’s grace guiding the Church, we pray to the Lord.
* That the Holy Spirit will work strongly in the next Pope chosen by the College of Cardinals, we pray to the Lord.

"The faithful should be exhorted to offer their private prayers, works and almsgiving for the successful election of a new Supreme Pontiff. The election of the new Pope should be prayed for in the recitation of the Rosary," said the CBCP official.

Diwa also said homilies must include discussions on the relationship between the local and the universal Church. (HDT/Sunnex)