Day 8 — Union of Pope and Bishops

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

A reading from the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church Lumen gentium

This collegial union [of bishops] is apparent also in the mutual relations of the individual bishops with particular churches and with the universal Church. The Roman Pontiff, as the successor of Peter, is the perpetual and visible principle and foundation of unity of both the bishops and of the faithful. The individual bishop, however, is the visible principle and foundation of unity in his particular church, fashioned after the model of the universal Church. In and from such individual churches there comes into being the one and only Catholic Church. For this reason each individual bishop represents his own church, but all of them together in union with the Pope represent the entire Church joined in the bond of peace, love, and unity. (no. 23)

Pause for silent prayer.
Pray one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.
— And let perpetual light shine upon him.

O God, immortal shepherd of souls,
look on your people’s prayers
and grant that your servant Pope Francis,
who presided over your Church in charity,
may, with the flock entrusted to his care,
receive from your mercy
the reward of a faithful steward.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.