Pope Francis’ funeral takes place this Saturday (26) at 10am, local time (5am from Brasilia). Among the rites of the ceremony will be the Mass of Exequiah, a celebration for the faithful who died.
In it, the Church “offers by the deceased the Eucharistic sacrifice, memorial of the Passover of Christ, elevates prayers and stifles for them, so that, by the communion of all the members of Christ, all enjoy the fruits of this liturgy: spiritual aid for the deceased, consolation and hope for those who cry,” according to the Archdiocese of Goiania.
She also marks the first day of the noveniali (novenary), the nine days of mourning and prayers in honor of Pope Francis.
The mass will take place at the atrium of the São Pedro Basilica and will be presided by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Decano (oldest member) of the Cardinal College, according to the Vatican’s official news agency.
According to the Reuters news agency, the Mass should be concelebrated by 220 cardinals and 750 bishops and priests near the altar, as well as 4,000 priests in the square.
A prayer will include requests to God so that all people and nations will “persevere in the pursuit of the path of peace.”
In the “final praise and farewell,” he will order the Pope’s soul to God and ask comfort for the 1.4 billion members of the Roman Catholic Church.
Near the end of the Mass, he will say in Latin: “O God, faithful rewarding of souls, grant that your deceased servant and our bishops, Pope Francis, to whom you have been successor to Peter and pastor of your church, may enjoy forever, in your presence in heaven, of the mysteries of your grace and compassion, who faithfully ministered on earth.”
The cardinal will then sprinkle the coffin with holy water and incense.
At the end of the Mass, the choir will sing in Latin: “May the angels lead you to paradise; may the martyrs come, welcome you, and take you to the Holy City, the new and eternal Jerusalem.”
Then, the Pope’s coffin will be taken back into the St. Peter’s Basilica and, from there, transferred to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where the burial ceremony will be held.
See images of Pope Francis’ life:
This content was originally published in Pope Francis’ funeral: what is the Mass of Fosquias? on the CNN Brazil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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