Ad multos annos Papa Benedicte!

Many of us can remember where we were when we heard the joyous news; well joyous for some. I was at Catholic institution and a television was set up in the atrium when the announcement came that white smoke was seen. To the atrium I went and I stood there with colleagues and others. At the moment of the announcement, "Ratzinger," two of us punched our fists in the air and yelled "yes!" The rest of the place was silent, gasping with open mouths as the realization that their work of straw was going to come to an end.

I will never forget it.

Much has been written in the last few weeks about this man who is the Vicar of Christ. Most of it has been repugnant, hateful, spiteful, vile and pure evil. Through this time, he has suffered, we have all suffered along with him and the Church has suffered.

V. Oremus pro Pontifice nostro Benedicto.

R. Dominus conservet eum, et vivificet eum, et beatum faciat
eum in terra, et non tradat eum in animam inimicorum eius.
[Ps 40:3]

Pater Noster…, Ave Maria….

Deus, omnium fidelium pastor et rector, famulum tuum
Benedictum, quem pastorem Ecclesiae tuae praeesse voluisti,
propitius respice: da ei, quaesumus, verbo et exemplo,
quibus praeest, proficere: ut ad vitam, una cum grege sibi
credito, perveniat sempiternam. Per Christum, Dominum
nostrum. Amen.

V. Let us pray for Benedict, our Pope.

R. May the Lord preserve him, and give him life, and make
him blessed upon the earth, and deliver him not up to the
will of his enemies. [Ps 40:3]

Our Father, Hail Mary.

O God, Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful people, look
mercifully upon Thy servant Benedict, whom Thou hast chosen
as shepherd to preside over Thy Church. Grant him, we
beseech Thee, that by his word and example, he may edify
those over whom he hath charge, so that together with the
flock committed to him, may he attain everlasting life.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.