My dear parishioners, my brothers and sisters of Mother of Divine Providence Parish,

Together we share this period of sorrow having learned of the death of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. Serving the Church, the Body and Bride of Christ, for 56 years, Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, at 7:35 am Roman time. In the certain and undying hope of our resurrection in the Risen Lord, we join Catholics and all persons of good will throughout the world, in praying for the peaceful repose of his soul. Pope Francis spent the last hours before his death faithfully greeting pilgrims and visitors on Easter Sunday, and wishing all a "Buona Pasqua!"

We all are called and encouraged to pray for the blessed repose of Pope Francis' soul.  In these next days and weeks, especially leading up to and directly following his funeral on Saturday, April 26th at 10:00 AM Rome time, we can take comfort in uniting our prayers with all who mourn his passing.  During this Holy Easter Octave, Our Lord's great Love and Mercy flowing from His Sacred Passion, Death and Resurrection, is poured forth in abundance on the Pope and all who have died.

And so, with this anticipatory and intentional turn to God's Power and Providence, we are asked to join Archbishop Perez, the faithful of our Archdiocese and those around the world, in daily prayer for the Pope. We most commonly pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be each day, along with the prayer, Eternal Rest.

We will offer a Holy Hour of prayer on Wednesday, April 23, at 6:00pm, and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on Thursday, April 24 at 7:00 pm, for the happy repose of the soul of the Holy Father.

Please join us as we commend the soul of Pope Francis into our Father’s Merciful hands.

Yours in the Risen Lord!

Father Capizzi