A Requiem Mass for Pope Francis, who passed away early this morning at the age of 88, will be held on Tuesday, 22 April, at 5:30pm at the Cathedral Church, Laitumkhrah, the Archdiocese announced Monday.
In a statement issued on Monday, Archbishop of Shillong, Victor Lyngdoh urged the priests, the religious and the lay faithful to come and pray so that the ‘merciful Lord may grant Pope Francis eternal rest’.
A set of guidelines were also issued to be observed by churches and institutions under the Archdiocese in tribute to the late pontiff.
To mark the mourning, church bells will ring across all parishes this evening. Churches and religious institutions are also encouraged to display a portrait of Pope Francis as a symbol of love and remembrance.
The Archbishop instructed that special Masses be offered in every parish and institution for the repose of the Pope’s soul. He reminded the clergy that during sede vacante—the time when the papal seat is vacant—the Pope’s name is omitted from the Eucharistic Prayer, with only the name of the local bishop included. This liturgical norm will remain until the installation of the next Pope.
Prayers for the Holy Father are to be added to the Prayer of the Faithful in all Masses, and all forms of celebration or festive events are to be avoided during the mourning period as a sign of solemn respect.
Additionally, all Catholic educational institutions under the Archdiocese will remain closed on the day of Pope Francis’s funeral. Schools have been directed to notify the Education Department in advance.
