Prayers for Our Holy Father

At this time tomorrow, the Church will be in the "Interregnum" as we await the election of a new pope. Wednesday and Thursday brought some emotional gatherings as Pope Benedict XVI bade farewell to the world as he leaves the Chair of Peter. This is a historic time since a pope has not resigned since 1415. The last pope to freely offer his resignation, like Benedict XVI, was in 1294, so this is a new chapter for all of us! What we need to do as the body of Christ is pray for our Holy Father. Pray that God will grant him special graces and good health. Even though we will not see His Holiness Benedict XVI, the Pope Emeritus, he will still be with us in prayer. I saw a quote from our Holy Father's last General Audience and I think it is appropriate: "The bark of the Church is not mine, it is not ours, but it is his, and he will not let it sink." The Church still goes forth with her mission and we are blessed to do our part for a time and God will call others to come after us. I also saw a post that abbey and church bells are to ring on Thursday at 1:00 pm, which will be 8:00 pm in Rome, when the "Sede Vacante" or Vacant See begins. The bells ring in thanksgiving for our Holy Father, Benedict XVI, and for his tremendous service to the Church. God bless Benedict XVI!!!!! May God bless the Church in the days ahead!!!