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Schedule for Pope Francis’ Funeral and Novendiali Observances: What to Anticipate
Pope Francis’ funeral will take place on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. local Rome time, which translates to 4:00 a.m. ET. Organizers expect more than 200,000 attendees, honoring the life of the deceased Vicar of Christ.
During the week, thousands of mourners have gathered at the Vatican to pay their respects to Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday. The atmosphere remains somber as people reflect on the legacy and teachings of the beloved pontiff.
The Funeral Mass
The funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter’s Basilica, specifically on the parvis. His Most Reverend Eminence Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the ceremonial rites.
The Mass will commence with an Entrance Antiphon, traditionally sung or recited by clergy and mourners.
Following this, the congregation will engage in the Penitential Act, taking time to acknowledge their sins, and then the opening prayer, known as the Collect, will be recited.
Liturgical Readings and Rituals
Cardinal Battista will deliver the First Reading, which comes from the Acts of the Apostles. Following this reading, the congregation will sing the well-known Responsorial Psalm, ‘The Lord is my Shepherd’, also referred to as ‘Psalm 23’. Next, the Second Reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians will be presented, typically done by an instituted lector during a papal funeral.
As the service progresses, the Acclamation and Gospel will be proclaimed. Cardinal Battista will then provide the Homily, offering reflections that include prayers for Pope Francis, the faithful departed, and the entire congregation.
The Dean of the Roman Catholic Church’s College of Cardinals will lead the consecration of the Body and Blood of Christ. Following this, congregants will be invited to receive Holy Communion after participating in the Communion Rite, including the Our Father prayer.
A Special Chant and Final Commendation
During Communion, attendees will participate in the chanting of Requiem Aeternam, a poignant piece often heard in funeral ceremonies, followed by a prayer.
Cardinal Battista will offer a final Commendation and Farewell, which includes the Prayer of the Church in Rome and the Prayer of Eastern Churches. This marks a significant moment, acknowledging Pope Francis’ impact and life.
The funeral liturgy will feature the hymn ‘I Know That My Redeemer Lives’, which the congregation will sing or chant. The Mass will conclude with the Canticle of the Blessed Virgin Mary, wrapping up the solemn proceedings.
Pope Francis will be laid to rest in a wooden casket at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a location significant to him, as he frequently visited to offer flowers throughout his 12-year papacy.
The Novendiali: A Period of Mourning and Remembrance
Beginning on the day of Pope Francis’ funeral, the Novendiali will commence. This ancient nine-day period of prayer, remembrance, and mourning is an integral part of the Catholic tradition.
Pope Francis’ Holy Mass, conducted by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, will initiate a series of nine Masses offered in memory of the late pontiff. While these services will be open to the public, they are primarily intended for the employees and faithful of Vatican City.
Upcoming Schedule for Novendiali
The Vatican has released the schedule for these Masses, which will include various opportunities for prayer and reflection. Each service seeks to provide comfort and hope to the congregation as they collectively navigate the mourning process.
As the Catholic community prepares to honor Pope Francis, both the funeral and the subsequent Novendiali reflect the rich traditions of the Church. Through these sacred observances, mourners can express their love and gratitude for a leader who has impacted lives worldwide.
In this time of loss, the Vatican and the broader global community look toward healing and remembrance, emphasizing the significance of faith in guiding the faithful through periods of grief. The remarkable life of Pope Francis will be celebrated not only through these events but also in the continued devotion he inspired among countless individuals.
