Liturgical Events on the Occasion of the Conclave

Diocese of San José
Liturgical Events on the Occasion of the Conclave

Bishop Patrick J. McGrath asks that the following be implemented as much as pastorally possible in the parishes and communities of the diocese during the conclave.

During the Conclave:

• At its daily Mass on Monday, April 18 (the first day of the conclave) and any other special Masses for the start of the conclave, parishes are asked to use the texts from Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions, “#4. For the Election of a Pope or Bishop,” found in the Sacramentary. Readings and psalms can be taken from the Lectionary, vol. IV, Masses for Various Needs and Occasions, “#3: For the Election of a Pope or a Bishop,” nos. 833-837.



• According to the norms of the liturgical calendar, the prayers and readings for the Election of a Pope or Bishop may be used at the daily Masses of each day of the conclave, except on Sunday and on Saturday evening.



• The special prayers and suggested general intercessions for the conclave may be used at these liturgies, in private prayer, as well as at the Sunday Masses the day before the start of the conclave (April 17), as appropriate.



• It is recommended that the litany of saints be chanted or spoken during these Masses, as the gathering song, as a conclusion to the homily, in place of the general intercessions, during the preparation of gifts, or as the Communion song. The “Litany of Saints for the Diocese of San Jose” may be used to the setting by John D. Becker or chanted to the setting in the Sacramentary.



• If Morning and Evening prayer are celebrated, the closing prayer may be taken from the Mass for the Election of a Pope on days when there is no obligatory memorial, feast, or solemnity.



• Liturgies of the word as well as other prayer forms, such as exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the praying of the rosary, are also encouraged during this time. See the “Prayer Vigil for the Guidance of the Holy Spirit” for a sample vigil of readings. Click here for a rosary for John Paul II and the Church.



• The faithful should be exhorted to offer their private prayers, works, and almsgiving for the successful election of a new Pope. The simple custom of frequently praying the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be to the Father for this intention is encouraged. The election of the new Pope should be prayed for in the recitation of the Rosary.