The Catholic Church in India mourns for a week the on the demise of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. “We pray, together with the Universal Church, that God may grant our dear Pope Emeritus eternal peace and joy. At the same time, we thank the same God for the gifts He bestowed on this great Shepherd, who guided the Catholic Church in really challenging times,” said Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, the President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India.
“I request all of you to pray for the departed soul of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and, if
possible, organize a Requiem Mass for the soul of the Deceased in your parishes and religious communities in any of these days, preferably on the day of the funeral. Diocesan Bishops may also decide to have on that day a diocesan liturgical celebration, with the participation of the Faithful, Clergy and Religious of the Diocese. Parish Churches may be instructed to toll the bells for the dead, particularly on the day of the funeral. If special Masses are not held in parishes, at least special intercessions of the faithful may be included in the Masses on a funeral day” says the circular published by CCBI.
The Church in India will mourn this sad demise for a week, it is advisable to cancel any other solemn celebrations.