Thursday, February 28, 2013

Prayers During the Sede Vacante

PRAYERS DURING THE SEDE VACANTE

The Pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI ends at 2:00 PM EST on Thursday, 28 February. The Holy Father will depart the Vatican for Castelgandolfo at 11:00 AM EST.

The College of Cardinals will gather in Conclave in the Sistine Chapel to elect a successor. They will initially meet on the morning of March 1st to determine a date for opening the Conclave itself, which must begin between March 15th and March 20th (although it may be anticipated if all Cardinals are present, according to norms issued in a Motu Proprio by Pope Benedict today).

While the Apostolic See is vacant until the election of the next Roman Pontiff, the Successor of St. Peter, special prayers are prescribed. The District Superior of the SSPX in the USA has also prescribed the addition of an oratio imperata (see below) for Masses celebrated during this time.

* Veni Creator each day from March 1st until the Election of a Pope

* Special collect (oratio imperata) “For the Election of a Pope” added at all Low Masses

* Votive Mass of II class “For the Election of a Pope” on day of Conclave opening

Please pray extra Rosaries (à la Rosary Crusade) for this very important intention in the life of the Church, that the Holy Ghost deign to designate a Pope of holiness and Tradition who will Restore All Things In Christ.

No comments: