Rest in Peace, Pope Benedict XVI

On Saturday, December 31, 2022, the Vatican announced the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, following announcements earlier in the week of declining health. He was 95. A brief biography can be found at the Vatican News page. 

The Monks of St. Mary's Abbey echo the call of all Christians for prayer for the repose of his soul. All are invited to join the monks for Mass on Thursday, January 5th at 5pm in the Abbey Church, when a Mass for the Dead will be celebrated for Pope Benedict XVI.

At his first Mass as Pope in 2005, Pope Benedict remarked on the great company of saints who surrounded him and supported him as he began his pontificate, "All the Saints of God are there to protect me, to sustain me and to carry me. And your prayers, my dear friends, your indulgence, your love, your faith and your hope accompany me."

As he continued in the wake of the death of Pope John Paul II, "Yes, the Church is alive – this is the wonderful experience of these days. During those sad days of the Pope’s illness and death, it became wonderfully evident to us that the Church is alive."

May we all draw inspiration from these words to answer anew own call to holiness, to greatness, and continue to point the way to Jesus Christ.