Pope Benedict XVI

As most of you have probably heard, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's health is declining. We have been asked to pray for him as he leaves this world and goes "to be with Christ, which is better by far". He holds a special place in the hearts of those in the Ordinariate (he established the Ordinariates) and in my heart as well (he granted me permission to be ordained as a Catholic priest). His prayers have continued to bring grace to us in our service of the Lord; let us now lift up our prayers for him asking that God would give him His mercy.

Here is a prayer that I encourage all of you to offer up in Pope Benedict's behalf:

O FATHER of mercies and God of all comfort, our only help in time of need: We humbly beseech thee to behold, visit, and relieve thy sick servant Pope Emeritus Benedict, for whom our prayers are desired. Look upon him with the eyes of thy mercy; comfort him with a sense of thy goodness; preserve him from the temptations of the enemy; and give him patience under his affliction; and grant him grace to desire only thy most holy will; that whether living or dying, he may be thine; for his sake who loved us and gave himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.