Southern Nebraska Register
‘As he designated this Jubilee Year as a time to renew ourselves as Pilgrims of Hope, we are reminded that the pope himself is a pilgrim on this earth.’
Many American priests and seminarians joined thousands of the faithful in a rosary for the intentions of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square in Rome at 9 p.m. local time, Monday, Feb. 24.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin led the prayers, opening with a reflection from the Acts of the Apostles: “Peter was kept in prison; but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the Church” (Acts 12:5).
The Holy Father has been hospitalized since Feb. 14. His condition is critical, but stable.
Father Joseph Wahlmeier, a priest of the Diocese of Lincoln furthering his studies in Rome at the Pontifical Gregorian University, was among the crowd praying for the pope.
“From the very beginning,” he said, “the Church has always gathered in prayerful support of her pontiff in his time of trial.”
He said they prayed the Joyful Mysteries—typically prayed on Monday—under the powerful intercession of Mary “Salus Infirmorum” or “Health of the Sick,” as well as the Litany of Loretto for Pope Francis, hospitalized for more than 10 days for this most recent illness.
“As he designated this Jubilee Year as a time to renew ourselves as Pilgrims of Hope,” Father Wahlmeier continued, “we are reminded that the pope himself is a pilgrim on this earth.”
In Acts 12, he pointed out, God sent His angel to rescue Peter from prison and restored him to the Church, yet later, Peter also had to take up his cross and follow Christ in crucifixion in Rome.
“Whether or not Francis’s earthly pilgrimage is coming to its end, all the faithful are invited to lift their hearts in prayer that he may receive the grace to persevere with Peter in shepherding the Lord’s flock,” Father Wahlmeier said.
“As the prayers concluded in St. Peter’s Square, a cry could be heard going up from the crowd: ‘Viva el Papa!’ May God grant life and health to Pope Francis for his earthly pilgrimage, and eternal life at journey’s end.”
Father Andrew Schwenka of the Diocese of Lincoln is also furthering his studies in Rome, at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas. While he was at another apostolate Monday evening, he will also be able to attend the prayer vigils for Pope Francis.
The nightly rosary for the pontiff will be broadcast live on all EWTN television channels worldwide and through the network’s digital platforms, including the EWTN app and YouTube channel.
