A MESSAGE TO THE CLERGY, CONSECRATED PERSONS, AND LAY FAITHFUL (SANTATLO) OF THE DIOCESE OF CUBAO ON THE PASSING OF POPE FRANCIS
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Like Mary Magdalene in today’s Gospel (John 10:11), we mourn the passing of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis, who returned to the Lord on Easter Monday, April 21. He was our universal pastor, spiritual guide, and moral compass-especially in these times of great challenge and change.
In view of providing space for communal mourning and prayer, I humbly ask all our priests in the diocese to celebrate novena Masses with the faithful in their respective parishes and institutions, beginning today, April 22, until April 30.
In addition to the celebration of the Eucharist, I invite you to pray Psalm 130 (De Profundis), together with the prayers, prepared by the Diocesan Ministry for Liturgical Affairs, for the eternal repose of his soul.
As a sign of our shared grief and unity, church bells will toll at 7:00 o’clock each evening of the novena. Let this be our daily call to pause and enter into a moment of silent prayer, wherever we may be.
During this period, it is advised that a framed photo of the Holy Father be displayed prominently in all churches, chapels, and religious houses. Moreover, the Philippine and Vatican flags shall be flown at half-mast throughout the period of mourning.
Religious congregations, ecclesial movements, lay associations, and mandated organizations may issue additional guidance to their members as they see fit.
Pope Francis has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith (cf. 2 Tim 4:7). Like Mary Magdalene, he clung to the hope of Easter, a hope that is now fulfilled. His love for the Risen Christ has brought him home.
Let us entrust him to the mercy of God, even as we give thanks for the gift of his life, his witness of humble service, and his enduring ministry to a synodal Church and the world.
In the Risen Christ,
(SGD) MOST REV. ELIAS L. AYUBAN, JR., CMF, DD Bishop of Cubao
Source: Diocese of Cubao Facebook page