Seven Days of Sorrow

Praying for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis and the Future of Our Church

Easter Monday was supposed to be a day for me to update my calendar for May. I was planning on announcing my plans to leave Facebook permanently. Like so many, having seen our beloved Pope Francis make an appearance on Easter Sunday, hearing the news of his death devastated me.

Day One

I first learned of the Pope’s death while responding to Easter greetings I had sent on my Instagram account; some people offered blessings and condolences for the Pope. This caused me to leave Instagram and visit Vatican News for confirmation. Once confirmed, the tears flowed. I received texts from many Catholic friends and those who were not Catholic, also extending their condolences. My parish sent an email inviting parishioners to attend Mass to pray for the repose of the Pope's soul. There was a call for us to pray a Novena for him, and I was personally called to pray the rosary for the nine days as well. On the first day, I prayed the joyful mysteries. It seemed that, while contrary. To my mind, to have joy in the mourning of the loss of our Pope in my prayer of the rosary was the revelation that the pontiff no longer suffers, and he will be a powerful intercessor.

Day Two

I attended Mass that included the novena and prayed the rosary using the Hallow App, led by Sr. Miriam. Prayed for the repose of the pontiff’s soul in adoration.

Day Three

Again, I attended Mass that included the novena, prayed the rosary on the Hallow App, led by Mark Wahlberg. I helped to facilitate a prayer service with our young adult ministry for the repose of the Pope’s soul. I watched The Translation of the Body from the Pope’s residence to St. Peter’s Basilica on YouTube.

Day Four

Again, I attended Mass that included the novena, prayed the rosary on the Hallow App, led by Mark Wahlberg, and prayed for the repose of the Pope's soul in adoration.

Day Five

I attended a memorial Mass hosted by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Archbishop Gomez shared a beautiful homily, and over 2,500 people attended. I prayed the rosary on the Hallow App, led by Mark Wahlberg. I watched the sealing of the Pope's coffin.

Our Lady of Angels Cathedral, Los Angeles, California

Day Six

Early Saturday morning, at 1:00 a.m., I watched the funeral of Pope Francis on both the ABC Network and EWTN. My strategy was to hear from Fr. James Martin SJ, who served as the commentator for ABC before the service. Once the Mass began, I watched EWTN to listen to the translation of the Latin prayers being said during the Mass. Msgr. Roger Landry served as one of the commentators for EWTN and began by saying, “We plant the body into the ground so that the mortal remains will rise immortal. Pope Francis wanted to be buried in the ground. Whatever you bind on earth, you bind in heaven.”

Here is an official copy of the worship aid shared with attendees in English. The choice of readings was perfectly aligned with the day's focus—the first being from the Acts of the Apostles. The first lector was a young woman who looked like me, named Kielce Gussie, which gave me such pride. Psalm 23, the most widely used at Catholic funerals, “The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.” The second reading is from St. Paul and the Gospel from St. John, where Jesus admonishes Peter to “Feed the Sheep.”

Placing of the Gospel Book on the Casket by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re

The homily was proclaimed by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, which mirrored the message of the Gospel. He began by saying, “Feed my sheep, this will be the constant task of Peter and his successors.”

We are here in huge numbers to pray for Pope Francis that God may welcome him into the immensity of his love. Pope Francis used to conclude his speeches and meetings, “Don’t forget to pray for me.” Pope Francis we now ask you to pray for us May you bless the Church, bless Rome and bless the whole world from heaven as you did last Sunday from the balcony of this Basilica in a final embrace with all the people of God, but also with the whole of humanity, that seeks the truth with a sincere heart and holds high the torch of hope!

Day Seven

On this day, I joined others for a Divine Mercy Sunday Mass to witness a friend receive her sacraments and be fully received into the Church. I reflected that just a week ago, as we celebrated Easter Sunday, it would become the last day the world saw Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square. I prayed the novena, the rosary, and the chaplet. Jesus, I trust in you.

Day Eight

I attended daily Mass, which included the Novena, prayed the rosary, and reflected on the joyful mysteries. On this second Monday of the Season of Easter, with the announcement of the conclave to begin on Wednesday, May 7. I sat in adoration to pray for all the cardinals who will elect our next Pope. There is a cool website that allows you to randomly select a cardinal to pray for, mimicking the practice of placing the names of confirmandi or Adults being accepted into the Church in a basket. Since there are 135 eligible to vote, it could be something a parish could do. Here is the link to adopt a cardinal to pray for from the website. The site also provides a prayer for the entire College of Cardinals.

Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Prayer for the College of Cardinals

Lord God, you are our eternal shepherd and guide. In your mercy, grant to your Church a shepherd who will walk in your ways and whose watchful care will bring us your blessing.

We ask you to guide the College of Cardinals as they select the next Pope. May they be led by the Holy Spirit to choose a faithful servant who will lead your Church with love and compassion.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

And another one for the Cardinal you have adopted.

Prayer for Your Adopted Cardinal

Heavenly Father, I pray for (Name of your Adopted Cardinal), whom I have adopted in prayer during this important time for our Church.

Give him wisdom, courage, and discernment as he participates in selecting the new Pope. May he be guided solely by your Holy Spirit and not by worldly concerns.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

As I reflect on this past week, my heart is filled with hope in the Holy Spirit to inspire the electors to reflect on the words of Cardinal Battista Re when casting a ballot for the new pontiff.

A heart open to everyone! Pope Francis was attentive to the signs of the times and what the Holy Spirit was awakening in the Church. His vocabulary rich in images and metaphors, he always sought to shed light on the problems of our time with the wisdom of the Gospel. He did so by offering a response guided by the light of faith and encouraging us to live as Christians amid the challenges and contradictions of recent years, which he loved to describe as a change in epic. He had an extraordinary spontaneity in addressing everyone rich in human warmth and profoundly sensitive to today’s challenges. Pope Francis truly shared the anxieties sufferings and hopes of this time of globalization he gave of himself, by comforting and encouraging us with a message capable of reaching people’s hearts in a direct and immediate way. His charism of welcome and listening combined with a manner of behavior in keeping with today’s sensitivities touched hearts and sought to reawaken moral and spiritual sensibilities. Evangelization was the guiding principal of his pontificate. With a clear missionary vision he spread the joy of the gospel , the title of his first apostolic exhortation. The Church is a home for all, with its doors always open… The Church field hospital after a battle when many were wounded… A Church capable of bending down to all despite their beliefs and healing their wounds.

Pope Francis Pray for Us!