Photo Credit: Vatican News
By Juliana Uzoka
Pope Francis has urged the Catholic faithful to “remember” in their prayers the 120 Bishops and seven Cardinals who have died in the past twelve months.
The Holy Father made the call on Monday, 4 November, during his homily, at a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, devoted to their memory, a tradition, he observes each year during the week of All Saints and All Souls Days.
Pope Francis said this prayer will serve as an “intercession” in remembrance of these departed clergy, adding that “by turning to the heart of God, men and women of every age can find hope for salvation.”
Reflecting on the Gospel of the day, the Pope spoke about the good thief who while crucified alongside Jesus, asked Jesus to remember him when He entered His Kingdom. Acknowledging that we, like the criminal in the Gospel, are sinners in need of God’s mercy, Pope Francis encouraged the faithful to make the same request – to ask Jesus to remember us and “keep alive our memory.”
He reminded the faithful that Jesus is rich in mercy and awaits everyone who seeks forgiveness with a contrite heart, as demonstrated by the good thief, who in his final moments sought “a welcoming heart.” Jesus “always does” the Holy Father affirmed.
Furthermore, Pope Francis emphasized that the 120 Bishops and seven Cardinals who passed away over the past year are in the hands of Jesus “a compassionate and merciful judge.” He encouraged the faithful to remain hopeful, with the expectation of “rejoicing with them in heaven,” at the end of our own lives.
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