On the Passing of Pope Francis

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I invite you to please join me in prayer for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis, who died this past Monday in Rome. The Church prescribes nine days (Novendiales) of prayer immediately following the death of a pope, which include Saturday’s funeral Mass.

Fr. John Paul and I share Archbishop Bernard Hebda’s sadness at the Holy Father’s passing. He was a man of profound joy, faith, hope, love, and simplicity in life and in death. 

His devotion to Our Lady, Salus Populi Romani (Salvation of the Roman People) is evident in his final testament and request to be laid to rest in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, where he visited over 100 times — including before and after every international trip — to entrust himself to her love and care.

Again, please join me in prayer for the happy repose of his soul. Let us also pray for the universal Church during this time of mourning and transition.  

Finally, let us pray for the College of Cardinals and that the Holy Spirit would move through them to elect a good and holy leader for God’s people.

In Christ Our Lord,

Fr. Rolf Tollefson, 
Pastor of Nativity of Our Lord