Bishop Alfred Schlert will celebrate a special Diocesan Memorial Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at 12:15 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown.
The Bishop also will lead a special Vespers service for the Pope Emeritus at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, at the Cathedral.
All are invited to attend both the Vespers and the Mass. The Mass and Vespers also will be livestreamed on the Diocese news website, www.ad-today.com, on the Diocese’s YouTube and Facebook channels, and can be viewed on television on Service Electric Channel 50.
Read Bishop Schlert's statement on the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict here.
The retired Pope died Dec. 31. The date of the Diocesan Memorial Mass coincides with the date of his funeral in Rome.
“The Diocese of Allentown joins the Universal Church in praying for the repose of the soul of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI,” said Bishop Schlert. “May his love for Christ and His Church bring him to Eternal Life.”
Here is a link to the "Pontifical Anthem and March" also known as the "Papal Anthem", which is played to mark the presence of the Pope or one of his representatives, and on other solemn occasions.
Photo: A memorial to the Pope Emeritus inside the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena.