Longing for God – a sample Evening Prayer on the occasion of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
Resources for preparing homilies/reflections: https://www.usccb.org/news/2022/pope-benedict-eight-years-pope-capped-long-ministry-teacher-faith; https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/pope-benedict-xvi-has-died-at-the-age-of-95/ar-AA15PRXO?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=d44caff3614e4c028b93fffe0fae4068.
January 3-4, 2023
Prepare beforehand:
- an alb for the presider (if an ordained minister presides, also a white stole)
- Charcoal (lit) in the thurible (censer) and a bowl of incense (optional)
- Programs for the gathered assembly
- Tapers for all, if the Proclamation of the Light/Evening Thanksgiving is to be included
- Lights are either off or lit dimly
- Lectionary is in its usual place with reading marked
I. Evening Prayer with Proclamation of the Light
All Stand. A minister processes with the Paschal Candle, if possible, or with a large lighted candle to the candle stand, followed by the Presider.
Proclamation of the Light (see CBW* 14A, B, or D)
Presiding Minister (sings or says): Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
Tapers of the gathered assembly and candles in the church are lit at this time.
Evening Thanksgiving
A minister invites the gathered assembly to give thanks to God, singing the Evening Thanksgiving.
See CBW 14E
Or: Sunday Celebration of the Word and Hours, p. 316 (Thanksgiving for the Light: Christmas)
If tapers have been used, they may be extinguished after the Thanksgiving for the Light, and the lights in the church may gradually be put on during the singing of the Evening Hymn, which follows (see below and continue with the Simple Form from this point on).
II. Simple Form:
Please stand.
Invitation to Prayer: All make the sign of the cross on their lips.
Presiding Minister: God, come + to our assistance.
All: Lord, make haste to help us.
Presiding Minister: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
All: As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Alleluia.
Evening Hymn: Joyous Light of Heavenly Glory (Haugen) CBW 663 to tune of Beach Spring
Please be seated for the singing of the psalm.
First Psalm: Psalm 42: As a deer longs for flowing streams, my soul longs for you, O God.
See Psalms for Sundays and Solemnities Year A (CCCB**) #39
Or: Psalms for the Liturgical Year A (Johnston) p. 82
Or: CBW 84
A period of silent reflection follows the psalm. Then all stand and the presiding minister says this prayer:
Presiding Minister: God of endless ages,
from one generation to the next
you have been our refuge and strength.
Before the mountains were born
or the earth came to be,
you are God.
Have mercy now on your servant Benedict,
whose long life was spent in your service.
Give him a place in your kingdom,
where hope is firm for all who love
and rest is sure for all who serve.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Please be seated.
Second Psalm: Psalm 27: The Lord is my light and my salvation.
See Psalms for Sundays and Solemnities Year A (CCCB) #72
Or: Psalms for the Liturgical Year A (Johnston) p. 156
Or: Catholic Book of Worship III #49
A period of silent reflection follows the psalm. Then all stand and the presiding minister says this prayer:
Presiding Minister: Lord Jesus, our Redeemer,
you willingly gave yourself up to death,
so that all might be saved and pass from death to life.
We humbly ask you to comfort your servants in their grief
and to receive Benedict into the arms of your mercy.
You alone are the Holy One,
you are mercy itself;
By dying you unlocked the gates of life
for those who believe in you.
Forgive Benedict his sins,
and grant him a place of happiness, light, and peace
in the kingdom of your glory for ever.
All respond: Amen.
Please remain standing.
Gospel Acclamation (if the reading chosen is a Gospel): Celtic Alleluia or other musical setting
Word of God: 1 John 3. 1-2
Or: John 19.25-27
Homily or Reflection (or a period of silence may follow the proclamation of the word instead)
Gospel Canticle: All stand and make the sign of the cross at the beginning of the Canticle.
Presiding Minister: Let us sing the praises of the Lord our God,
who has saved and exalted us:
My Soul Gives Glory to the Lord CBW 678
Or: Canticle of Mary CBW 14I
Or: Holy Is Your Name CIS*** 6.23
Or: Another suitable version of the Magnificat
Intercessions:
Presiding Minister: Jesus Christ, risen from the dead,
reveals the gracious purpose of God’s love for us.
With hope in our hearts, we turn to our Redeemer and sing:
Cantor sings (the intercessions may also be recited): Lord, have mercy. (See CBW 14J)
All repeat: Lord, have mercy.
Cantor: Lord Jesus, you are the firstborn from the dead:
raise our brother Benedict XVI
whom you redeemed by your blood,
to rejoice for ever in the vision of your glory.
We pray to the Lord:
All together: Lord, have mercy.
Cantor: Lord Jesus, you are merciful and just:
forgive the sins our brother committed in this life
and give him a share in the fullness of redemption.
We pray to the Lord:
All: Lord, have mercy.
Cantor: Lord Jesus, you taught us to love one another:
favour Benedict XVI with the reward of his goodness,
a place in the company of your faithful witnesses.
We pray to the Lord:
All: Lord, have mercy.
Cantor: Lord Jesus, you comfort those who mourn:
look with tenderness on the members of your Church
and be their companion during this time of sorrow.
We pray to the Lord:
All: Lord, have mercy.
Cantor: Lord Jesus, you are the King of glory:
confirm us in faith and renew us in hope
as we await your coming in splendour.
We pray to the Lord:
All: Lord, have mercy.
The Lord’s Prayer
Presiding Minister: With faith and hope we pray to the Father in the words Jesus
taught his disciples:
All: Our Father…
Concluding Prayer
Presiding Minister: O God,
from whom the just receive an unfailing reward,
grant that your servant Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI,
whom you made vicar of Peter and shepherd of your Church,
may rejoice for ever in the vision of your glory,
for he was a faithful steward here on earth
of the mysteries of your forgiveness and grace.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
Blessing (ordained presider):
Presiding Minister: The Lord be with you.
All: And with your spirit.
Presiding Minister: May almighty God bless you,
the Father, + and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.
Presiding Minister: Go in peace.
All: Amen.
Blessing (lay presider):
Presiding Minister (signing themselves): May God, who is blessed above all,
+ bless us in all things through Christ,
So that whatever happens in our lives
Will work together for our good,
Now and for ever.
All: Amen.
Presiding Minister: As we go in peace to love and serve the Lord,
Let us exchange with each other a sign of peace.
* CBW indicates the Catholic Book of Worship III for Canada
** CCCB indicates the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops
*** CIS indicates the Celebrate in Song music resource published by the CCCB
Note that this sample Evening Prayer has been developed using resources from the Roman Catholic Church in Canada.