Padre’s Points to Ponder – April 25, 2025
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
This past Monday, the world received the sorrowful news of the death of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. After more than a decade of tireless service as the 266th successor of Saint Peter, Pope Francis has been called home to the Lord whom he served with humility, courage, and a deep love for the poor and marginalized.
As the universal Church enters a period of mourning, the Vatican has begun the ancient and solemn rites that accompany the death of a pope. The bells of St. Peter’s Basilica toll in mourning. The Pope’s body has been laid in state in St. Peter’s Basilica for several days, allowing the faithful from around the world to pay their respects. The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday in the Octave of Easter, presided over by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, and broadcast to the world.
According to tradition, nine days of mourning—the novemdiales—will then be observed. Each day includes special prayers and liturgies in remembrance of the Pope and in thanksgiving for his life and service. These days are also a time of preparation and discernment, as the College of Cardinals will soon gather in Rome to begin the conclave, the sacred process by which the next pope will be elected.
Though the Chair of Peter is temporarily vacant—sede vacante—our faith assures us that Christ remains the true head of His Church, guiding us always through the Holy Spirit.
Let us pray for the soul of Pope Francis: that the Good Shepherd may welcome this faithful servant into His eternal embrace. Let us also pray for the Church in this time of transition—that the Cardinals may be attentive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit as they prepare to elect the next Supreme Pontiff.
Be on the lookout for special events we will host at All Saints to pray for the late Holy Father and his successor. May the Risen Lord Jesus Christ, the Divine Mercy, receive his soul and console the hearts of the faithful.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.
Peace in Christ,
Fr. Michael Silloway
Pastor