The Holy Ghost Parish community mourns the death of Pope Francis. His leadership for twelve years led us to the simplicity of Jesus and His concern for those whom society places in the margins. In his famous encyclical Laudato Si', Pope Francis brought to the world's attention the "throwaway culture," which does not stop with waste but affects persons. Instead, he exhorted the entire human race to a recognition of the common good: care for the environment and the human race. God's image is imprinted in all of creation, so we ought to respect that image by how we treat each other, especially those most neglected.

Funeral and Novemdiales

Pope Francis's funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. Peter's Square, Vatican City. The same day begins the Novemdiales, an official period of nine days of mourning. The funeral can be watched in the Vatican News YouTube channel. During this period, the Cardinals will preside over Masses each day, praying for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis.

Novena

During the same period of nine consecutive days, Catholics in the entire world are invited to join and pray a Novena in Memory of Pope Francis. The novena begins on Saturday, April 26. You can download the PDF for your own keepsake and if you would like to print it for yourself. We will also post each day in our website the prayers for that given day. These will be shared in our Facebook page.

In Loving Memory of

We have reserved a space in the gathering area where you and your family can write down a loving memory in honor of Pope Francis that you would like to share with the parish community. Memories to remember in the coming days and years.

Prayer Cards

At the end of each Mass on the Second Sunday of Easter (or Sunday of Divine Mercy), that is, April 26 and 27, we will pray together a prayer from Bishop Michael Duca for the eternal rest of Pope Francis. Prayer cards will be provided for everyone at their pews/chairs. Additional cards for your taking and keepsake are provided at the table with Pope Francis's image in the gathering area. Below are the images found in the prayer cards.