Church bells to toll across all parishes, Masses to be held, Schools to close on funeral day
Shillong, April 21: As the Catholic community around the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, the Archbishop of Shillong, Most Rev. Victor Lyngdoh, has issued a set of solemn guidelines to be observed across all parishes and institutions under the Archdiocese during the mourning period.
In an official statement on Monday, Archbishop Lyngdoh called upon all priests, religious brothers and sisters to uphold these practices as a mark of respect and spiritual remembrance for the late Holy Father.
This evening, all parishes across the Archdiocese are instructed to toll their church bells in honour of Pope Francis. A portrait of the late pontiff may be displayed in churches and institutions, as a symbolic gesture of love and remembrance.
The Archbishop also directed that Masses be offered in every parish and religious institution for the repose of the Pope’s soul. However, he reminded clergy that during the sede vacante — the period when the papal seat is vacant — the Pope’s name is omitted from the Eucharistic Prayer, and only the local bishop’s name is mentioned. This liturgical practice will remain in place until a new Pope is elected and formally installed.
Additionally, prayers for Pope Francis are to be included in the Prayer of the Faithful at all Masses, and all celebrations or festive events are to be suspended during the mourning period as a sign of reverence.
As a further mark of respect, all Catholic educational institutions under the Archdiocese will remain closed on the day of the Pope’s funeral. Institutions have been instructed to notify the Education Department accordingly.
To bring the faithful together in communal prayer, a special Requiem Mass will be held on Tuesday at 5:30 PM at the Cathedral Church in Shillong. Archbishop Lyngdoh invited all priests, religious and lay faithful to attend and pray for the eternal repose of Pope Francis.
Also Read: ‘Transitus’ of Francis: End of an Era and a Great Legacy (Pope Francis, 1936–2025)
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