A man holds a copy of the Vatican’s L’Osservatore Romano newspaper announcing the death of Pope Benedict XVI, in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Dec. 31, 2022. Pope Benedict died at the age of 95 in his residence at the Vatican. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
December 31, 2022
ON THE DEATH OF POPE EMERITUS BENEDICT XVI
Dear Clergy, Consecrated Women and Men, and all the Faithful of the Diocese of Honolulu,
Peace be with you!
As we received news of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on this day in Rome, we thank God for giving us the leadership of this wise, learned and holy pastor during his Pontificate from 2005 to 2013. We join people throughout the world in honoring his memory and in commending him to the merciful and eternal embrace of our Savior, whom he served so faithfully.
I ask all parishes and oratories in the Diocese of Honolulu to offer special prayers for Pope Benedict XVI, especially in the Universal Prayer prayed at each Mass for the next nine days, the traditional mourning period for a Pope. Father Alfred Guerrero, Director of the Office of Worship, has already sent out guidelines for prayers and liturgical observances, and I ask each parish to offer at least one Mass for the happy repose of the soul of Pope Benedict XVI.
All are invited to a Memorial Mass I will celebrate for the happy repose of the soul of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on Wednesday, January 4, at 6:30 p.m. at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa, 712 N. School Street, Honolulu. Priests and deacons participating should bring albs and red stoles. [Note: The Holy Hour for Vocations normally held on the first Wednesday of each month at the Co-Cathedral at 6:15 p.m. is cancelled this month in order to accommodate this special Mass.]
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord!
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Larry Silva
Bishop of Honolulu
You can live stream the Jan. 4 Mass at www.kuuakua.com, www.hictv.com, and on the Cathedral’s Facebook page.