Bishop Donald Kettler celebrated a memorial Mass for His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI Jan. 5 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud.
“We celebrate today, God’s presence in and through the life and writings of Pope Benedict XVI,” Bishop Kettler said. “As we give thanks for the gifts of faith, mercy and salvation in God’s eternal kingdom, we give thanks for Pope Benedict’s part in bringing much of this to us, God’s people. He gave his entire life to building that kingdom.”
The Mass was held the same day as Pope Benedict’s funeral in Rome, where an estimated 50,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square to pay their respects to the pope emeritus.
Top: Bishop Kettler celebrates the Memorial Mass for His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI at St. Mary’s Cathedral assisted by Deacon John Wocken. Below, the worship aid for the Mass. (Photos by Dianne Towalski / The Central Minnesota Catholic)
