YOU'RE INVITED | Pray the Novena in Memory of Pope Francis: April 26-May 4

Pope Francis washes the foot of a refugee during Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper at the Center for Asylum Seekers in Castelnuovo di Porto, about 15 miles north of Rome March 24, 2016. The pope washed and kissed the feet of refugees, including Muslims, Hindus and Copts. (Photo: CNS/L'Osservatore Romano, handout) 

The Archdiocese of Denver mourns with the universal Church for the death of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. Beginning on the day of his funeral, Saturday, April 26, and concluding Sunday, May 4, the Novena in Memory of Pope Francis consists of a short reading from Scripture and brief prayers drawn from the Roman Missal and the Order of Christian Funerals.

This novena has been prepared by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to help pray for the pope during the novemdiales, or nine days of mourning after his funeral. At the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver, as well as other parishes, shrines and chapels around the archdiocese, the Holy Eucharist will be offered for the repose of his soul.

We invite you to join in prayer at your local parish and share this novena with your family and friends.

Day 1 (April 26): "You are Peter…"

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter said in reply, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (16:13-19)

Pause for silent prayer.

Pray one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.

— And let perpetual light shine upon him.

O God, faithful rewarder of souls,

grant that your departed servant Pope Francis,

whom you made successor of Peter

and shepherd of your Church,

may happily enjoy for ever in your presence in heaven

the mysteries of your grace and compassion,

which he faithfully ministered on earth.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Day 2 (April 27): "Feed my sheep…"

Day 3 (April 28): Peter, the Unity of All the Church

Day 4 (April 29): Authentic Teacher of the Faith

Day 5 (April 30): "Strengthen your brothers…"

Day 6 (May 1): The Petrine Ministry of Mercy

Day 7 (May 2): Peter, the First of the Apostles

Day 8 (May 3): Union of Pope and Bishops

Day 9 (May 4): Successor to the Apostle Peter