The Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN), the laity Catholic faithful of the Diocese of Kohima has shared the mourning with deep sorrow along with the rest of the world on the passing away of Holy Father Pope Francis on April 21. “Jesus Christ personified His Holiness Papa Pope Francis was the beacon of hope, compassion and love for the era of 21st century. Through His work and care for the world of today, He touched many lives profoundly.
Papa has returned to His eternal home. The love He radiated to the world will remain as an anchor of healing for humanity in moments of despair. The Catholic community members of Kohima Diocese, together with His Lordship Rt. Rev. Bishop James Thoppil, commend the soul of His Holiness into the infinite mercy of the Holy Trinity, God the Father Almighty, Jesus Christ His son who called Papa Pope Francis and the Holy Spirit,” stated the CAN in a press release issued today.
As a sign of respect and honour to Pope Francis, the Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN) has urged all the faithful members of Catholic Church in the Diocese of Kohima, to say the prayer;
“(With the passing of Pope Francis, let us pray for the eternal repose of his soul and for the College of Cardinals as they embark on their sacred duty to elect Pope Francis’ successor):
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Prayer for the Pope
Eternal rest grant unto Papa Francis, O Lord. And let the perpetual light shine upon Papa Francis. And may Papa Francis soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Heavenly Father, You entrusted the care of Your Church on earth to Pope Francis, and now You have called him to Yourself. We entrust his soul to Your boundless mercy. For his lifelong service, we thank You. For his care for the poor and marginalized, we thank You. For his witness to simplicity, we thank You. In Your mercy, cleanse him of all sin. Purify him and draw him into the light of Your presence. Grant him the vision of Your Eternal Essence, into which we all long to be drawn.
Protect Your Church in this time of transition. Guide the Cardinals in their sacred duty.
Grant them Wisdom and Courage, Hope and Charity, and the Faith they need to discern Your Holy Will. Father Most Holy, our God and King, Creator of all that was, is, and is to come— You alone know the heart of the one You have chosen as the successor to Pope Francis. Reveal Your will to the College of Cardinals. Open their hearts to Your inspirations. Open our hearts to receive, with faith and obedience, the one whom You will raise up to sit on the Chair of Saint Peter. May he be a man of deepest compassion, a man of profound faith and hope, a man whose charity shines forth, permeating the darkness of this world with the light of Christ.
You are God Most High, the God of the living and the dead, the Great I AM, the Alpha and the Omega, Eternal Being and Source of all that is. May Your holy will be done, now and forever. Amen. Alleluia.”
