The Saint Anselm commnity celebrated the Eucharist in the Abbey Church for our late Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, on Friday, April 8, the day of his funeral. Fr. Jonathan DeFelice, O.S.B., president of the college, celebrated the Mass and invited all to attend.

Campus Ministry also offered several opportunities for prayer and reflection in commemoration of the life and death of the pope. A nightly prayer vigil in St. Basil’s Chapel started at the news of the pope’s failing health and continued through the election of a new pope.

Members of the Saint Anselm community signed a book of condolences placed next to a memorial picture of the pope, in the Abbey Church.

And about 20 members of the college community gathered in the Romero Center at 4 a.m. to watch live television coverage of the April 8 funeral Mass for the pope. News reporters also attended, leading to television and newspaper coverage.

Campus Ministry also marked the election of Pope Benedict XVI, the German pope, with prayers and by serving ice cream and German desserts.

Susan Gabert, director of Campus Ministry, and Fr. Anselm Smedile, O.S.B., campus minister, stand in the lobby of Abbey Church with the condolence book for Pope John Paul II. They organized more than two weeks of events marking the illness and death of the pope, and the election of Pope Benedict XVI. Fr. Anselm appeared three times on television news, discussing both popes. Sr. Maureen Sullivan, O.P.; Dr. James McGee, Fr. Benedict Guevin, O.S.B., Fr. Peter Guerin, O.S.B., all of the Theology Department, and Fr. Jerome Day, O.S.B., all participated in the extensive local news coverage of the papal transition.

Rejoice
The bell tolled 84 times, once for every year of the life of Pope John Paul II, when news of his death reached campus April 2. Bells pealed again 17 days later, this time joyously marking the election of a new pontiff. Monks, students, faculty and staff gathered in the coffee shop and in Campus Ministry’s Romero Center, to await word on who the new pope would be. Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger’s selection of the name Pope Benedict XVI was particularly welcome on campus, and seen as a signal, perhaps, of his concerns for unity and re-evangelization in an increasingly secular world.

Prayer for Pope John Paul II During his Final Days
Lord Jesus, Good Shepherd, look kindly on John Paul II, your vicar on earth, and grant him relief from his sufferings.

To this herald who has bravely proclaimed your Gospel, give the consolation of your world.

To this faithful guardian of your church, send an angel to shield and protect him. To this priest who comforted and anointed the sick, now bring peace in his time of trial.

Hear the prayers of those who trust in you, O Risen Lord and Savior, who are seated at the right hand of the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Prayer for Pope Benedict XVI
We pray for our new Holy Father:

May God inspire his ministry as pope in the 21st century.

Grant him the wisdom to lead with compassion

And the vision to create Christ-like community in our global church.

May he stand with those marginalized in poverty everywhere in the world.

May he continue John Paul II’s role as a prophet of justice and peace.

May the Holy Spirit guide him And fill his heart with the fire of divine love. Amen.