Following an ancient tradition, the Church will observe nine consecutive days of mourning, marked by Masses held in suffrage for the late Pope Francis. Source: Vatican News.
While these Eucharistic celebrations are open to everyone, each day a different group is scheduled to participate – based on their connection with the Holy Father.
This diversity of groups reflects both “the scope of the Supreme Pastor’s ministry and the universality of the Church of Rome”, according to the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis liturgical book that sets out funeral proceedings for popes.
The cardinals already present in Rome set the schedule for which of them will celebrate each Mass during their second General Congregation, held last night.
The first day of the Novemdiales will be marked by Pope Francis’s funeral Mass in St Peter’s Square at 10am (6pm AEST).
In the following days, celebrants for the Novemdiales Masses will be as follows:
– Second Day: April 27, 10.30am (6.30pm AEST) in St Peter’s Square. The Mass will be presided by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and the group will be the employees and faithful of Vatican City.
– Third Day: April 28, 5pm in St Peter’s Basilica (April 29, 1am AEST). Mass will be presided by Cardinal Baldassare Reina and the group will be the Church of Rome.
– Fourth Day: April 29, 5pm (April 30, 1am AEST) in St Peter’s Basilica. The Chapters of the Papal Basilicas will be the group at the Mass presided by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti.
– Fifth Day: April 30, 5pm (May 1, 1am AEST) in St Peter’s Basilica. Cardinal Leonardo Sandri will preside, with the Papal Chapel group.
– Sixth Day: May 1, 5pm (May 2, 1am AEST) in St Peter’s Basilica. Carmelengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell will preside with the group being the Roman Curia.
– Seventh Day: May 2, 5pm (May 3, 1am AEST) in St Peter’s Basilica. The Mass will be presided by Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, with the group being the Eastern Churches.
– Eighth Day: May 3, 5pm (May 4, 1am AEST) in St Peter’s Basilica. Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime will preside at the Mass with members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
– Ninth Day: May 4, 5pm (May 5, 1am AEST) in St Peter’s Basilica. Cardinal Dominique Mamberti will preside at the Mass with the Papal Chapel group.
Only Cardinals will be allowed to concelebrate the Masses dedicated to the Papal Chapel on April 30 and May 4.
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Novemdiales: Cardinals set schedule for nine days of mourning (Vatican News)
