MANILA, Feb. 28, 2013—As the world watched the last day of Pope Benedict XVI in office before he finally leaves the papacy, various dioceses, youth commissions and organizations offered prayers and mass for the 265th Supreme Pontiff.
The Ministry for Youth Affairs (MYA) in Cubao organized an MYA Night for Pope Benedict XVI at the Our Lady of Pentecost Parish Hall from 7 to 10 in the evening, hours before the end of the Pope’s Pontificate.
On the other hand, YouthPinoy!, a group of lay young Catholic who call themselves “Online Missionaries of God” organized a Facebook page titled “Prayers for the Pope” which hopes to unite all faithful in prayer for the Pope, the Church leaders, and the Catholic Church as a whole.
“After Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation from the Holy See by the end of February and while the Catholic Church faces another historic period of transition between the outgoing and incoming papacy, young Catholic Filipinos offer their personal prayers here for the departing Holy Father who will dedicate his remaining days in a life of prayer; for the members of the College of Cardinals who will elect the new Supreme Pontiff; for the incoming Pope who will usher the Church in the age of New Evangelization; and for the Church itself which is continuously threatened by social, moral and environmental ills,” the group stated on the Facebook page of Prayers for the Pope.
Meanwhile, the diocese of Legazpi in Albay celebrated a mass this afternoon at the St. Gregory the Great Cathedral presided by Legazpi Bishop Joel Baylon which was offered for the Pope’s intention and for the grace of hope as the Catholic faithful awaits the election of the next pontiff.
On March 2, the 4th Diocesan Way of the Cross will be held in Ligao City, particularly dedicated for the Pope and for the upcoming conclave, with Baylon leading around 3,000 young people attendees for the event.
In the diocese of San Jose in Nueva Ecija, San Jose Bishop Roberto Mallari will also celebrate a mass tomorrow, for the intention of Pope Benedict and the election of a new Pope.
Other dioceses together with religious groups and youth organizations held similar activities today for the Pope’s intention and his welfare after leaving the Vatican.
Around 144 cardinals were around to greet Pope Benedict before he formally step down and leave for Castel Gandolfo.
After leaving Vatican Benedict XVI will be staying at Castel Gandolfo for 2 months before transferring to his retirement home in Mater Ecclesiae Monastery inside the Vatican walls. (Jandel Posion)
