DETROIT — Detroit Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger will celebrate a special Mass of Suffrage for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis at 7 p.m. Monday, April 21, at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit.
Priests, deacons and the lay faithful are invited to participate in the Mass either in person or via livestream. A rosary will be prayed before the Mass beginning at 6:30 p.m., led by Auxiliary Bishop Robert J. Fisher.
Pope Francis died early April 21, Easter Monday, at the age of 88, weeks after being hospitalized with a severe lung infection. The pope had made a surprise appearance in St. Peter's Square on Easter Sunday.
Archbishop Weisenburger will also speak during a news conference at the cathedral at 5:30 p.m. to reflect upon the Holy Father's life and legacy.
In a statement, Archbishop Weisenburger said Pope Francis was a "powerful, prophetic and loving voice" whose compassionate heart and pastoral teachings will reverberate for generations.
"I kindly ask all the faithful either to pray one rosary for the gentle repose of the soul of our Holy Father or to participate in a memorial Mass for Pope Francis," the archbishop wrote. "Let our prayers for him be a part of his great journey into the heart of all Love. I also kindly ask the faithful to prayerfully remember the Cardinals of the Church, asking God that a new Successor of St. Peter will quickly be elected."
A Mass of Suffrage is a tradition in the Catholic Church, celebrated to remember the deceased and to pray for their soul as they enter eternal life. For the Archdiocese of Detroit, the 'Novendiale' (Nine Days of Masses) will also take place at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
In addition to the Mass tonight at the cathedral, Archbishop Weisenburger will preside during two additional Masses this week to pray for the Holy Father, one in Spanish at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, at Most Holy Redeemer Parish in southwest Detroit, and one in English at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Plymouth at 7 p.m. Friday, April 25. Both Masses will be preceded by a rosary a half-hour before Mass begins.
Most Holy Redeemer Parish is located at 1721 Junction St., Detroit, while Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish is at 47650 N. Territorial, Plymouth.
