Prayers Offered in Ave Maria for Pope Benedict XVI
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Published on Monday, 11 February 2013 23:52
The Ave Maria community responded to news of Pope Benedict XVI's resignation with expressions of astonishment and an outpouring of prayers.
"Many of us are still reeling from the news," said Fr. Robert McTeigue, the director of campus ministry at Ave Maria University, after he presided at Mass on Monday afternoon.
The news of the pope's resignation broke in the pre-dawn hours on the East Coast and spread quickly by word of mouth, email and social media throughout Ave Maria, a town with a uniquely Catholic character.
Prayers were offered for the pope's health and his future, and many also expressed admiration for the pontiff's humility in making the decision.
The news brought to for many residents, AMU faculty and students of times when they had attended papal events or met Pope Benedict. One resident who met the pope in Rome a few years ago, Jim Longon, said at the time that after he said where he was from, Pope Benedict responded by saying, "I am praying for Ave Maria."
More than a dozen AMU students who are spending the semester in Rome spent four hours -- from 8 p.m. til midnight Rome time -- praying at St. Peter's Basilica for Pope Benedict as well, said Erin DeCleene, one of the group.
Ave Maria University President Jim Towey was as surprised as anyone by the news, but said, "The Church is always made new."
The historic papal conclave to choose a successor to Pope Benedict XVI is expected to be held in a month or so. To better understand what happens at a conclave, Ave Maria University theology professor and Canon Lawyer Fr. Robert Garrity will explain the proceedings and answer questions at noon on Friday, Feb. 15, in the lecture hall of the AMU academic building. All are welcome to attend and bring a brown-bag lunch if desired.
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Ave Maria President Jim Towey reflects on the Holy Father's resignation in a guest column in the Naples Daily News available by clicking here.
