Dear Friends in Christ,

As the Cardinals prepare to enter the Sistine Chapel to elect a new Pope, we pray that they will tune in to what the Holy Spirit is saying to them. We also pray for the man they will choose to be Bishop of Rome, that the same Spirit will strengthen and guide him as he accepts the call to exercise the ministry of St Peter in our time.

I have asked all our parishes to offer the Mass for the election of a Pope in these days; and invite everyone to unite in personal and family prayer as well.

“O God, eternal shepherd,
who govern your flock with unfailing care,
grant in your boundless fatherly love
a pastor for your Church
who will please you by his holiness
and to us show watchful care.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.”

+Michael McKenna
Bishop of Bathurst