Episcopal Commission on the Liturgy, Liturgical Notes and Considerations for Use Upon the Resignation of the Pope

Episcopal Commission on the Liturgy

LITURGICAL NOTES AND Considerations

FOR USE UPON THE RESIGNATION OF THE POPE

February 16, 2013

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

We have learned of the resignation of Pope Benedict XIV. It is with sadness that we receive this news, yet, we are filled with hope that this will usher in greater vigor and grace to the Church from our Lord.

We have taken these Liturgical considerations from the USCCB Secretariat of Divine Worship, and the Episcopal Commission on Liturgy of the CBCP is offering these Liturgical Considerations to all Dioceses, Parishes, and other groups to pray for Pope Benedict XIV, to give thanks for his Pontificate, and to pray for the Church as we face the future and the election of a new Pope.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Genaro O. Diwa, SLL

Executive Secretary

Upon News of the Pope’s Resignation

It is appropriate to offer special prayers for Pope Benedict XVI, for his health and well-being, and in thanksgiving for his service to the Church. The custom of praying the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be to the Father is to be encouraged, especially with school children. The pope can also be prayed for in the recitation of the Rosary.

Both the Diocesan Bishop and priests in every parish might consider offering a special Mass for the Pope. Mass offered by the Diocesan Bishop at the Cathedral or in each Vicariate for the attendance of as many of the faithful as possible is desirable. Care should be taken that such a Mass be celebrated according to the norms of the liturgical calendar.

Prayers to be Used from the Roman Missal

The Roman Missal provides a Mass formulary for a Pope. It can be found in the section, “Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions: 2. For the Pope.” This Mass is permitted, with white vestments, on weekdays in Lent “at the direction of the Diocesan Bishop or with his permission” (General Instruction of the Roman Missal [GIRM], no. 374), but not on the Sundays of Lent.

Entrance Antiphon Mt 16:18-19

You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church,

and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.

To you I will give the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.

Collect

O God, who in your providential design

willed that your Church be built

upon blessed Peter, whom you set over the other Apostles,

look with favor, we pray, on Benedict our Pope

and grant that he, whom you have made Peter’s successor,

may be for your people a visible source and foundation

of unity in faith and of communion.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

Or:

O God, shepherd and ruler of all the faithful,

look favorably on your servant Benedict,

whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd;

grant, we pray, that by word and example

he may be of service to those over whom he presides

so that, together with the flock entrusted to his care,

he may come to everlasting life.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

One God, for ever and ever.

Or:

O God, who chose your servant Benedict

in succession to the Apostle Peter

as shepherd of the whole flock,

look favorably on the supplications of your people

and grant that, as Vicar of Christ on earth,

he may confirm his brethren

and that the whole Church may be in communion with him

in the bond of unity, love and peace,

so that in you, the shepherd of souls,

all may know the truth and attain life eternal.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

Prayer over the Offerings

Be pleased, we pray, O Lord,

with the offerings presented here

and govern with unfailing protection your holy Church,

together with Benedict our Pope,

whom you have chosen to be her shepherd.

Through Christ our Lord.

Communion Antiphon Jn 21:15, 17

Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?

Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.

Prayer after Communion

Having been made sharers at the heavenly table,

we humbly entreat you, Lord:

by the power of this mystery,

strengthen your Church in unity and charity

and, as you have entrusted your servant Benedict with the office of shepherd,

grant him always salvation and protection,

together with the flock entrusted to his care.

Through Christ our Lord.

Tagalog Formula

Pambungad: Mateo 16, 18-19                             

Pedro ang tawag ko sa’yo

ibig sabihin ay bato,

saligan ng Simbahan ko,

laging mananaig ito,

katiwala kong totoo.

PANALANGING PAMBUNGAD

Ama naming makapangyarihan,

niloob mong maitatag ang iyong Simbahan

kay San Pedro na pangunahin sa mga apostol na hirang.

Ang aming Papa Benito ay iyong tunghayan

at loobin mong ang itinakda mo para si San Pedro’y halinhan

ay maging simula at nakikitang saligan ng kaisahan

sa pananampalataya at pakikinabang sa iyong buhay

para sa iyong sambayanan sa pamamagitan ni Hesukristo

kasama ng Espiritu Santo magpasawalang hanggan.

o kaya:

Ama naming makapangyarihan,

ikaw ang nangangasiwa at pumapatnubay sa nananampalatayang tanan.

Tunghayan mo ang iyong lingkod na si Papa Benito,

na niloob mong mangulo sa iyong Simbahan.

Ipagkaloob mong sa kanyang pagsasalita at pagiging uliran

siya’y umunlad sa kanyang panunungkulan

upang kaisa ng kanyang pinangangasiwaan

siya’y sumapit sa buhay na walang katapusan

sa pamamagitan ni Hesukristo

kasama ng Espiritu Santo magpasawalang hanggan.

PANALANGIN UKOL SA MGA ALAY

Ama naming Lumikha,

kalugdan mo ang mga alay na nakahanda

at igawad mo ang pagkupkop at pamamahala

sa banal mong Simbahan kaisa ni Papa Benito,

na niloob mong maging tagapangasiwa

sa pamamagitan ni Hesukristo

kasama ng Espiritu Santo magpasawalang hanggan.

Pakikinabang:     Juan 21, 15. 17                 Tanong ni Hesus kay Pedro,

“Ako ba’y minamahal mo?”

Sagot ni Pedro kay Kristo,

“Walang nalilihim sa ‘yo.

Batid mong ika’y mahal ko.”

PANALANGIN PAGKAPAKINABANG

Ama naming mapagmahal,

kaming minabuti mong tumanggap ng banal na pakikinabang

ay dumadalanging pagtibayin mo sa pagkakaisa at pagmamahal

pakundangan sa aming pinagsaluhan

at lagi mong ipagtanggol at ipagsanggalang

ang lingkod mong si Papa Benito

ang tagapangasiwang iyong pinagkatiwalaan

kaisa ng Simbahang inihabilin mo sa kanyang pananagutan

sa pamamagitan ni Hesukristo

kasama ng Espiritu Santo magpasawalang hanggan.

The Homily

The homily at this Mass could reflect on the particular ministry of Pope Benedict XVI as an example to follow, especially as it relates to Lent. Of particular note is the constant theme in Pope Benedict’s teachings and writings of the need for an authentic personal relationship with Jesus Christ. His love for the liturgy as well as his desire to foster an authentic celebration and participation in the sacred liturgy could be highlighted. The efforts of the Pontiff to achieve peace in the world, as well as his ecumenical outreach might be highlighted. His faithfulness to the proclamation of the Paschal mystery as well as his constant care, concern and outreach for the poor, the sick, and oppressed should be central topics. The homily may also assist the Church to face this moment in great hope. If the Diocesan Bishop or celebrating priest has any personal reflections about the Holy Father, these would be more appropriately offered following the Prayer after Communion.

Universal Prayer or Prayer of the Faithful

At all the Masses celebrated between now and the election of a new Pope, petitions can be offered in the Universal Prayer. The following are provided as suggestions:

* That Pope Benedict XVI may be given the strength needed to complete faithfully and fully his remaining ministry as our Pope, we pray to the Lord.

* That Pope Benedict XVI, who has served the Church faithfully as Supreme Pontiff, may find peace and consolation as he turns to a life of prayer for the Church, we pray to the Lord.

* That the tireless efforts of Pope Benedict XVI in fostering the unity and communion of the Church may bear fruit in our hearts and among all Christians, we pray to the Lord.

* For Pope Benedict XVI, who preached that God is love and that we are saved in hope, that he may strengthened in hope and know God’s love for him now and for all eternity,

we pray to the Lord.

The Eucharistic Prayer

In accord with liturgical norms, the Eucharistic Prayer for Various Needs I is appropriately used. Until 2:00 PM Eastern time, February 28, 2013, the formula for mentioning the name of the Pope in the Eucharistic Prayer is to be followed as usual. After that time, during the sede vacante, the formula is adjusted as follows:

Eucharistic Prayer I (The Roman Canon)

Be pleased to grant her peace,

to guard, unite and govern her

throughout the whole world,

together with N. our Bishop,

and all those who, holding to the truth,

hand on the catholic and apostolic faith.

Eucharistic Prayer II

Remember, Lord, your Church,

spread throughout the world,

and bring her to the fullness of charity,

together with N. our Bishop

and all the clergy.

Eucharistic Prayer III

May this Sacrifice of our reconciliation,

we pray, O Lord,

advance the peace and salvation of all the world.

Be pleased to confirm in faith and charity

your pilgrim Church on earth,

with N. our Bishop,

the Order of Bishops, all the clergy,

and the entire people you have gained for your own.

Eucharistic Prayer for Various Needs I

Lord, renew your Church (which is in N.)

by the light of the Gospel.

Strengthen the bond of unity

between the faithful and the pastors of your people,

together with N. our Bishop,

and the whole Order of Bishops,

that in a world torn by strife

your people may shine forth

as a prophetic sign of unity and concord.

Taglog Formula

Unang Panalangin ng Pagpupuri at Pagpapasalamat

Iniaalay namin ito sa iyo,

unang-una para sa iyong banal

na Simbahang Katolika.

Pagkalooban mo ng kapayapaan at pagkupkop,

pagkakaisa at pagtataguyod,

ang mga kaanib nito sa sansinukob,

kasama ng aming Obispo N.,

at ng lahat ng nananalig at nagpapalaganap

sa pananampalatayang katoliko

na galing sa mga apostol.

Ikalawang Panalangin ng Pagpupuri at Pagpapasalamat

Ama,

lingapin mo ang iyong Simbahang

laganap sa buong daigdig.

Puspusin mo kami sa pag-ibig

at ni N., na aming Obispo

at ng tanang kaparian.

Ikatlong Panalangin ng Pagpupuri at Pagpapasalamat

Ama,

ang handog na ito

ng aming pakikipagkasundo sa iyo

ay magbunga nawa ng kapayapaan at kaligtasan

para sa buong daigdig.

Patatagin mo sa pananampalataya at pag-ibig

ang iyong Simbahang naglalakbay sa lupa,

ang aming Obispo  N.,

ng tanang mga Obispo at buong kaparian

at ng iyong piniling sambayanan.

Dinggin mo ang mga kahilingan ng iyong angkan

na ngayo’y tinipon mo sa iyong harapan.

Ikaapat na Panalangin ng Pagpupuri at Pagpapasalamat

Ama,

alalahanin mo

ang lahat ng pinatutungkulan namin

ng paghahandog na ito:

ang aming Obispo N.,

ang tanang mga Obispo at buong kaparian,

ang lahat ng naririto ngayon at ang buo mong sambayanan,

at ang lahat ng mga tao na pawang tapat at wagas sa paghanap sa iyo.

Other Suggestions

If there is time, prayer cards might be printed with the Pope’s picture and a brief biography on the back. One of the prayers cited above or another prayer of thanksgiving may be placed on the card. 

During the Time of Election of a New Pope

Once the Pope’s resignation takes effect, both the Diocesan Bishop and priests in every parish might consider offering a special Mass for the election of the Pope, according to the guidelines of the liturgical calendar. Mass offered by the Diocesan Bishop at the Cathedral or in each Vicariate for the attendance of as many of the faithful as possible is desirable. The Mass for the Election of a Pope or a Bishop (found in the section “Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions” in the Roman Missal) may be celebrated. A Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit might also be celebrated, using, for example, Preface II of the Holy Spirit: “The action of the Spirit in the Church.” During weekdays in Lent, these Masses may be celebrated “at the direction of the Diocesan Bishop or with his permission” (GIRM, no. 374).

Entrance Antiphon 1 Sm 2: 35

I will raise up for myself a faithful priest,

who shall do according to my heart and mind;

I will establish a lasting house for him

and he shall walk before me all his days.

Collect

O God, eternal shepherd,

who govern your flock with unfailing care,

grant in your boundless fatherly love

a pastor for your Church

who will please you by his holiness

and to us show watchful care.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

Prayer over the Offerings

May your abundant kindness favor us, O Lord,

that, through the sacred offerings we reverently bring to you,

we may come to rejoice that a pastor pleasing to your majesty

presides over your holy Church.

Through Christ our Lord.

Communion Antiphon Jn 15: 16

I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, says the Lord,

fruit that will last.

Prayer after Communion

As we have been renewed, O Lord,

with the supreme Sacrament of salvation,

the Body and Blood of your Only Begotten Son,

may the wondrous grace of your majesty

gladden us with the gift of a shepherd

who will instruct your people by his virtues

and imbue the minds of the faithful with the truth of the Gospel.

Through Christ our Lord.

The proper readings may be found in Volume IV of the Lectionary for Mass, nos. 833–837.

Tagalog Formula

SA PAGHALAL SA PAPA

Pambungad:             1 Samuel 2, 35                        Sabi ng Poong D’yos natin:

“Saserdoteng hihirangin

ay ang tapat at butihin

upang ako’y kanyang sundin

sa paglilingkod sa akin.”

PANALANGING PAMBUNGAD

Ama naming makapangyarihan,

ikaw ang nangangasiwa kailan man

sa pinamamahalaan mong sambayanan.

Para mo nang awang bigyan ang iyong Simbahan

ng tagapangasiwang kalulugdan mo sa kabanalan

at magmamalasakit sa aming ikauunlad araw-araw

sa pamamagitan ni Hesukristo

kasama ng Espiritu Santo

magpasawalang hanggan.

PANALANGIN UKOL SA MGA ALAY

Ama naming Lumikha,

nawa’y sumaamin ang masaganang batis ng iyong awa

upang pakundangan sa mga alay sa iyo na aming inihanda

kami’y magkamit ng tagapangasiwa

na sa iyong Simbaha’y mamamahala

sa ikalulugod mo at aming ikatutuwa

sa pamamagitan ni Hesukristo

kasama ng Espiritu Santo magpasawalang hanggan.

Pakikinabang:   Juan 15, 16                        Kayong hinirang talaga

ng aking sariling pasya

sa daigdig ay kasama

pinahayo, pinamunga

nang palagi! Aleluya!

PANALANGIN PAGKAPAKINABANG

Ama naming mapagmahal,

kaming mga nakinabang sa Katawan at Dugo ng Anak mong banal

ay pagbigyan mong lumigaya

sa pagkakamit ng tagapangasiwang maaasahan

sa pagtuturo ng kabutihan sa iyong bayan

at sa pagpapalaganap ng katotohanan ng Mabuting Balita sa tanan

sa pamamagitan ni Hesukristo

kasama ng Espiritu Santo magpasawalang hanggan.

The Homily

The homily could offer the opportunity to reflect on the Petrine ministry and its role within the Church. It also affords the homilist an opportunity to instruct the faithful in the relationship between the local and the universal Church.

The Liturgy of the Hours

Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer may also be celebrated and on days when there is no obligatory memorial, feasts or solemnities, the closing prayer may be taken from the Mass for the Election of a Pope or Bishop.

The faithful should be exhorted to offer their private prayers, works and almsgiving for the successful election of a new Supreme Pontiff. The simple custom of frequently praying the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be for this intention is encouraged. The election of the new Pope should be prayed for in the recitation of the Rosary.

Universal Prayer or Prayer of the Faithful

Petitions, such as the following, may be offered in the Universal Prayer:

• That the Holy Spirit will inspire and strengthen the Cardinal-electors

as they choose a new Holy Father to lead us, we pray to the Lord.

• That the College of Cardinals in its electoral process may be a worthy vehicle of God’s grace guiding the Church, we pray to the Lord.

• That the Holy Spirit will work strongly in the next Pope chosen by the College of Cardinals, we pray to the Lord.

Upon the Election of a New Pope

Upon the election of the new Pope, both the Diocesan Bishop and priests in every parish might consider offering a special Mass for the newly elected Pope according to the guidelines of the liturgical calendar. Mass offered by the Diocesan Bishop at the Cathedral or in each Vicariate for the attendance of as many of the faithful as possible is desirable. If it is the day of the election of the Pope, then the Mass for the Pope (especially on the anniversary of election) is appropriate. This Mass cannot be used on the Sundays of Advent, Lent and Easter, solemnities, Ash Wednesday, and the weekdays of Holy

Week. The Mass text is found in the section, “Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions” in the Roman Missal.

(See pages 3-7 above for the texts.)

Again, the faithful should be exhorted to pray for the newly-elected Holy Father in their private prayers. The recitation of the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be for the intentions of the Pope is encouraged. The newly-elected Pope should be prayed for in the recitation of the Rosary.

According to custom, gold and white bunting could be affixed above the entrance to the church or chapel. Flowers could be placed near the Vatican flag, which might be displayed somewhere prominently in the narthex or gathering space.

Universal Prayer or Prayer of the Faithful

Some of the following petitions might be used in the Universal Prayer:

• For our new Holy Father, N., that he may be strengthened as he embarks on his ministry of unity, love and peace, we pray to the Lord.

• That our recently elected Holy Father, N., working together with the bishops of the Church, may build up the Body of Christ in peace and in joy, we pray to the Lord.

• That our newly elected Holy Father N. may be a champion of the poor, a reconciler of nations and a force for peace and unity in our world, we pray to the Lord.