DETROIT — Detroit Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger will celebrate two special Masses of Suffrage for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis this week, one in Spanish and one in English.
The Spanish Mass will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, at Most Holy Redeemer Parish, 1721 Junction St., Detroit, preceded by a rosary at 5:30 p.m. Retired Auxiliary Bishop Donald F. Hanchon will offer a homily during the liturgy.
An English Mass of Suffrage will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, April 25, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, 47650 North Territorial, Plymouth, preceded by a rosary at 6:30 p.m. Auxiliary Bishop Arturo Cepeda will offer the homily.
Priests, deacons and the lay faithful are invited to participate in both Masses either in person or via livestream.
The liturgies follow a Mass of Suffrage celebrated Monday, April 21, at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit, during which Archbishop Weisenburger reflected upon Pope Francis' life and memory.
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.
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.
Traditionally following the death of a pope, the Church enters a nine-day period of mourning, during which a novena is prayed. The "novendiale" (nine days of mourning) will begin after Pope Francis' funeral on April 26, and last until May 4.
"The entire Church mourns the death of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. In cathedrals, basilicas, parish churches, shrines, and chapels, the Holy Eucharist will be offered for the repose of his soul," the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops explained. "Communities and individuals will ask God to bestow his infinite mercy on the man who served the Church as Bishop of Rome."
In an April 23 letter to priests and parishes, Archbishop Weisenburger encouraged local Catholics to pray a daily rosary for the repose of Pope Francis' soul, and to participate in parish observances such as daily Mass, Eucharistic adoration and Liturgy of the Hours during the "novendiale."
