CNS STORY: Catholic liturgy has special Masses, prayers for a dead pope

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POPE-MASSES Apr-2-2005 (760 words) xxxn

Catholic liturgy has special Masses, prayers for a dead pope

By Jerry Filteau
Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Catholics around the world attending special Masses for the late Pope John Paul II are hearing prayers used only at a Mass for a dead pope.

Less than an hour after the pope's death, those prayers and other liturgical resources for local pastors and liturgy coordinators in the United States were posted, in English and Spanish, on the Web site of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, www.usccb.org.

The USCCB Secretariat for Liturgy also posted texts, in English and Spanish, of prayers and readings for a novena for the repose of the pope's soul. It offered suggestions for appropriate service music, in English and Spanish, for Masses or other prayer services for the late pope.

Among its prayers for the dead, the U.S. Sacramentary has nine specific prayers that are to be used only in a Mass for a dead pope -- three alternatives each for the opening prayer, the prayer over the gifts and the prayer after Communion.

In one of the opening prayers, for example, the celebrant prays to God, "May your servant John Paul, our pope, vicar of Peter and shepherd of your church, who faithfully administered the mysteries of your forgiveness and love on earth, rejoice with you forever in heaven."

One of the prayers over the gifts says, "Lord, by this sacrifice which brings us peace, give your servant John Paul, our pope, the reward of eternal happiness and let your mercy win for us the gift of your life and love."

One of the prayers after Communion says, "Hear our prayers for your servant John Paul, our pope. You made him the center of the unity of your church on earth, count him now among the flock of the blessed in your kingdom."

A fourth option for the opening prayer would be use of the opening prayer for the funeral Mass of a pope. Msgr. James Moroney, executive director of the USCCB Secretariat for Liturgy, said any opening prayer that would be used at a person's funeral Mass also may be used at other memorial Masses for that person.

He said that where celebrants usually refer to the pope and local bishop in the eucharistic prayers they will omit the reference to the pope while the office is vacant.

The general intercessions at Mass, which usually include a prayer for the reigning pope, will take on a different tone during the interregnum, as the period between a pope's death and his successor's election is called.

In resource materials posted on the USCCB Web site, the liturgy secretariat posted several examples of appropriate intercessions, among them:

-- "That Pope John Paul, called to the heavenly kingdom by the Lord, may rejoice forever at the banquet table of heaven, we pray to the Lord."

-- "That the tireless efforts of Pope John Paul, now called to the Lord, may bear fruit in unity, peace and love among all men and women, we pray to the Lord."

The Web site also offers suggestions for prayers for the late pope at Catholic schools and other settings, homily ideas and suggestions for the Liturgy of the Hours.

In the rhythm of the liturgy, even as Catholics mourn the loss of Pope John Paul they will begin to look to God's help for the future.

Under the heading of "Masses and Prayers for Various Occasions" the Sacramentary also includes prayers for a Mass during the time of election of a new pope, also posted on the Web site.

The opening prayer asks God to "grant your church a shepherd who will walk in your ways and whose watchful care will bring us your blessing."

The prayer over the gifts prays for "a shepherd to lead your church who will be pleasing and acceptable to you."

The prayer after Communion asks for a new pope "who will be an example of goodness to your people."

The Web materials suggest use of that Mass once a conclave has started, but Msgr. Moroney said it also would be appropriate to use it as the conclave approaches.

There is also a Mass upon the election of a pope that can be used on the day of his election or on its anniversary in coming years. The Web site gives the prayers for that Mass as well.

The liturgy secretariat cautioned that normal liturgical rules apply in determining when a memorial Mass or a Mass for a particular occasion can replace the Mass that would otherwise be celebrated on that day.

END

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