Bishop Edward J. Burns issued the following statement on the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI:
“With the news of the passing of Pope Benedict XVI into eternal life, we the faithful of the Diocese of Dallas joining Pope Francis and the universal Church offer prayers of thanksgiving for the gift of his life, his Petrine ministry, and his care for the souls of this universal Church and the world. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI appointed me as the Bishop of Juneau, Alaska in 2009. I will forever be grateful for his paternal love and kindness and will always consider him one of the great thinkers and shepherds in the history of the Catholic Church.
“It is with a joyful heart I know he is now at peace with the Lord our God and Savior and we pray that perpetual light shine upon him.”
In joining with the Holy Father, Bishop Burns and Bishop Kelly will lead a vigil rosary on Jan. 4, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe. The faithful are encouraged to attend, and this rosary will be held in English and Spanish.
Bishop Burns and Bishop Kelly will be celebrating a memorial Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at the Cathedral Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Jan. 5, 2023, at 12:00 noon, beginning at that time with a funeral toll by the Cathedral bells.
Please also check with your local parishes as special tributes are being planned across the Catholic Diocese of Dallas and the custom of praying the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be are always encouraged, especially for children.
