April 11, 2005
Praying for the upcoming conclave and the meeting of cardinals going on this week is obviously number one on our spiritual "to-do" list right now. Pope John Paul II made it clear when he wrote about this election process that "the universal Church, spiritually united with Mary, the mother of Jesus, should persevere with one heart in prayer… Thus the election of the new pope will not be something unconnected with the People of God and concerning the college of electors alone, but will be in a certain sense an act of the whole Church."
You may have decided on a particular prayer or form of penance already for the conclave. If not, I'll invite you as part of our extended "web family" to join in this daily novena prayer to the Holy Spirit that all of the friars and sisters are praying, at least until Monday the 18th (when we will begin a rotation of perpetual Adoration for the conclave.) It is based mostly on the Mass prayers for a conclave and for a new pope.
"Come, O Holy Spirit, Lord of Life and Spirit of Truth. Come upon your Church as You came upon the Apostles at Pentecost, and fill your servants, our shepherds, with Your gifts of understanding, truth, and peace. Help them to strive with all their hearts to learn what is pleasing to You and to follow it with all their strength.
In Your mercy, and through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Your well-beloved spouse, grant your Church a shepherd who will walk in Your ways and whose watchful care will bring us Your blessing. Grant us a shepherd who will be an example of goodness to Your people and who will fill our hearts and minds with the trust of the Gospel.
Pour forth upon Your appointed successor to St. Peter Your sevenfold gifts, especially the gifts of wisdom and courage. May You be glorified with the Father and the Son, one God forever and ever. Amen."
Fr. Richard Roemer, CFR
Community Vicar, residing at St. Joseph Friary in Harlem, New York
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