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• Dear friends in Christ:
  

  As many of you are no doubt aware, Pope Francis passed away on April 21st, Easter Monday, at the age of 88. I find it poignant that he should deliver one last Easter blessing and message before leaving this Earthly life. He was my first pope as a priest and he made a profound impact throughout the world in his concern for the poor and marginalized. 
  
  I thought it might be a good time to reflect on what we can do over these next several weeks. Many of us remember the passing of Pope Benedict XVI, but that situation was unique in that Pope Francis was, of course, already reigning. Not counting the passing of Pope Benedict then, just over 20 years have elapsed since we have had the passing of a pope that resulted in an interregnum (“between the reign”). Some of us were very young or not even alive at that time. Then we have many new Catholics among us who just came into Holy Mother Church this Easter – welcome to perhaps one of the most defining moments in any historical period!
  
  So, what is one to do over these next few weeks? First, as a Church, we will observe the novendial, or nine day period of mourning for the passing of Pope Francis. During this time, there are many opportunities to pray for the repose of the soul of the Holy Father:
  
  First and perhaps most fruitful, check to see if your local parish will be having a memorial or requiem Mass in honor and for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis. Almost every parish should be having these Masses, but their type might vary a bit depending on whether or not they are held during the Octave of Easter, which lasts until Divine Mercy Sunday. We will have memorial Masses for Pope Francis on Thursday, April 24th in Yreka and Friday, April 25th in Fort Jones, both at 6 PM.
  
  Offering rosaries for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis is most laudable, and I also think offering the Divine Mercy Chaplet, since he passed during the Divine Mercy Novena, would be quite fitting. The Holy Father had a deep devotion to Our Lady and profound appreciation of God's Divine Mercy.
  
  Many priests, religious, and lay people will also be praying the Office for the Dead from the Liturgy of the Hours. To pray the entire Office for the Dead and if you’re not familiar with it, you can find the complete texts here: https://divineoffice.org/office-for-the-dead/
  
  You may notice in various parishes black decorations, or perhaps a picture of the Holy Father in a place of honor. In addition, there may be black bunting or ribbons on pillars and around doorways. You can also do these things at home throughout the novendial to signify your own mourning at his passing. The supplies for such decorations can be easily found – just simple black ribbon and even printed pictures will do. Flags should also be flown at half-staff.
  
  Many churches will also be ringing their bells today. We will ring the bells in Fort Jones today, Monday April 21st, at 3 PM, the hour of Mercy. They will be rung 88 times, once for each year of his life. 
  
  Finally, the Funeral Rites for Pope Francis will be widely televised. I encourage you to watch them.
  
  Above all, no matter how you choose to participate, pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis. Pray also for the Cardinals of the Catholic Church who will soon gather in Rome not just for the funeral, but also to elect the the 267th Pope, the 266th successor to Saint Peter himself. While these are sad days for us, it is fitting that it should all occur during the joyful days of Easter because in the intricate funeral rites, the various traditions we take part in throughout the world, and then in the conclave which will soon begin, we are reminded of the enduring grace and presence of Our Lord Jesus Christ, that this is His Church and the Holy Spirit continues to guide and keep us throughout the centuries. 
  
  Oremus pro invicem! 
  
  -Fr. Dean Marshall
  Parochial Administrator