Indian Latin Catholic Bishops announced a week-long mourning over the death of the late Pope Benedict XVI in a statement published on December 31, 2022.
"As the Church in India will mourn this sad demise for a week, it is advisable to cancel any other solemn celebrations," the statement read.
The President of the Conference of the Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, requested all "to pray for the departed soul of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI."
"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," the cardinal encouraged.
The CCBI President advised the Diocesan Bishops to decide on a diocesan liturgical celebration on that day with the faithful, clergy, and the religious of the Diocese.
He suggested the parish churches toll the bells for the dead, particularly on the funeral day. If special Masses are not held in parishes, they may include special intercessions of the faithful for the late Pope Emeritus in the Masses on the funeral day.
"We commend the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI to the Lord and pray that God may grant his soul eternal bliss," the statement said.
Indian Latin Catholic Bishops thanked God for the gifts He bestowed on this great Shepherd, who guided the Catholic Church in really challenging times.
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