pecial Requiem Mass at Cathedral Church in Shillong today
Shillong, Apr 21: With the Catholic community mourning the passing of Pope Francis, Archbishop of Shillong, Most Rev Victor Lyngdoh, has issued a set of guidelines to be observed across all parishes and institutions under the Archdiocese during the mourning period.
Archbishop Lyngdoh, in an official statement, called upon all priests, religious brothers and sisters to uphold these practices as a mark of respect and spiritual remembrance for the late Holy Father.
All parishes across the Archdiocese were instructed to toll their church bells in honour of Pope Francis on Monday evening. “A portrait of the late pontiff may be displayed in churches and institutions, as a symbolic gesture of love and remembrance,” it said.
The Archbishop also directed that Masses be offered in every parish and religious institution for the repose of the Pope’s soul.
However, he reminded clergy that during the sede vacante — the period when the papal seat is vacant — the Pope’s name is omitted from the Eucharistic Prayer, and only the local bishop’s name is mentioned. This liturgical practice will remain in place until a new Pope is elected and formally installed.
Additionally, prayers for Pope Francis are to be included in the Prayer of the Faithful at all Masses, and all celebrations or festive events are to be suspended during the mourning period as a sign of reverence.
As a further mark of respect, all Catholic educational institutions under the Archdiocese will remain closed on the day of the Pope’s funeral. Institutions have been instructed to notify the Education Department accordingly.
To bring the faithful together in communal prayer, a special Requiem Mass will be held on Tuesday at 5:30 PM at the Cathedral Church in Shillong.
Archbishop Lyngdoh invited all priests, religious and lay faithful to attend and pray for the eternal repose of Pope Francis.
