CNA\/EWTN News<\/a>).- The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has promoted and released guidelines for Masses and prayer services surrounding Pope Benedict XVI's resignation at the end of February.<\/p>\n\t\u201cIt is appropriate to offer special prayers for Pope Benedict XVI, for his health and well-being, and in thanksgiving for his service to the Church,\u201d said the bishops\u2019 Feb. 13 document, \u201cLiturgical Notes and Resource Materials for Use upon the Resignation of the Pope.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n
\tEncouraging the \u201cattendance of as many of the faithful as possible is desirable,\u201d the document suggests that both \u201cthe Diocesan Bishop and priests in every parish might consider offering a special Mass for the Pope.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tOn Feb. 11, Pope Benedict XVI announced that effective Feb. 28, he would be stepping down from his position as Pope, due to advanced age and declining strength. After the Pope leaves office, Cardinals from around the world will meet in Rome to elect a new Pope in a special closed meeting called a conclave. A papal resignation has not occurred in nearly 600 years. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\t\u201cWith great surprise tinged with sadness, the Church learned of the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. During his reign, he has been a faithful witness to Christ, and in this decision, he teaches us with his integrity and humility, putting the needs of the Church first,\u201d said Rev. Msgr. Richard B. Hilgartner, executive director of the U.S. Bishops\u2019 Secretariat of Divine Worship.<\/p>\n
\tIn preparation for the end of the Pope\u2019s reign and election of a new pope, the Secretariat of Divine Worship encouraged prayer and has prepared \u201cliturgical and musical resources to assist dioceses, parishes, and other groups to pray for Pope Benedict XVI, to give thanks for his pontificate, and to pray for the Church as we look to the future and the election of a new Pope.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tThe document describes appropriate prayers, wording for the Mass and music, as well as guidelines for homilies and other activities to pray for Pope Benedict and for a new pope.<\/p>\n
\tIt also reminds priests and bishops that until the pope\u2019s resignation goes into effect at 8:00 p.m. Roman time on Feb. 28, the Pope\u2019s name is to be used in the Eucharistic Prayers of the Mass and is encouraged in private prayer \u201cin the recitation of the Rosary.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tIt states that parts of the Mass also should include prayers for Pope Benedict and encouraged homilies that \u201creflect on the particular ministry of Pope Benedict XVI as an example to follow, especially as it relates to Lent.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tThe \u201cLiturgical Notes and Resource Materials for Use upon the Resignation of the Pope\u201d also suggests that celebrants emphasize Pope Benedict\u2019s teachings, writings and achievements. The document highlights the outgoing pope\u2019s \u201clove for the liturgy as well as his desire to foster an authentic celebration and participation in the sacred liturgy,\u201d \u201cecumenical outreach,\u201d writings on \u201cthe need for an authentic personal relationship with Jesus Christ\u201d and his \u201cconstant care, concern and outreach for the poor, the sick, and oppressed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\t\u201cOnce the Pope\u2019s resignation takes effect,\u201d the document adds, \u201cboth the Diocesan Bishop and priests in every parish might consider offering a special Mass for the election of the Pope, according to the guidelines of the liturgical calendar.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tDuring this time from the evening of Feb. 28 until the election of a new Pope, references to the Pope are to be removed from liturgical prayers, because there is no apostolic successor to St. Peter.<\/p>\n
\tIn addition to advocating special Masses for the election of the Pope, the document also suggests the inclusion for prayers for a new Pope and guidance of cardinals during the Prayer of the faithful.<\/p>\n
\tThe statement also encourages the laity to offer their \u201cprivate prayers, works and almsgiving for the successful election of a new Supreme Pontiff,\u201d advocating the prayer of the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be, and the inclusion of prayers for the election of a new Pope during the recitation of the Rosary.<\/p>\n
\tThe bishops\u2019 document also addresses prayers and Masses surrounding the election of a new Pope, suggesting that \u201cboth the Diocesan Bishop and priests in every parish might consider offering a special Mass for the newly elected Pope according to the guidelines of the liturgical calendar.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tSuch a Mass cannot be offered on Sundays of Lent or Easter, nor during Holy Week. The document adds that the faithful are strongly encouraged to pray for the new Pontiff, once elected, and suggests that flowers may \u201cbe placed near the Vatican flag\u201d and displayed prominently in the church building.<\/p>\n
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Washington D.C., Feb 19, 2013 \/ 05:03 pm (CNA\/EWTN News).- The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has promoted and released guidelines for Masses and prayer services surrounding Pope Benedict XVI's resignation at the end of February.<\/p>\n
\t“It …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1031,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2356","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-us"],"yoast_head":"\n
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