MANILA, Philippines — Cubao Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr. on Friday directed all parishes to include newly-elected Pope Leo XIV in their masses and in prayers of thanksgiving.
Ayuban made the pronouncement through a pastoral letter issued just a few hours after Robert Francis Prevost was elected the 267th supreme pontiff of the Catholic Church.
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The letter was addressed to all parish priests, parish administrators, superiors and members of religious communities in the Diocese of Cubao and Parish Pastoral Councils.
Based on the letter, the liturgical and pastoral directives are as follows:
The pope’s name is to be mentioned immediately in the Eucharistic Prayer.
Offer the Holy Mass for the intention of the new Pope (as indicated in the Roman Missal or Aklat ng Pagmimisa sa Roma).
A prayer of thanksgiving may be used in gratitude for the gift of the new Roman pontiff.
“As a liturgical guideline, starting today, his name will be mentioned in the eucharistic prayer,” said Ayuban in the letter.
“I request that we offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for the Pope, which will be found at the Roman Missal (Masses for Various Needs and Occasions, I. for the Holy Church, 2. For the Pope)… The readings of the day will be used,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ayuban said the following prayer can be used to express gratitude for the gift of a new pope:
Lord Jesus Christ,
Good Shepherd and High Priest,
We praise you and offer you our sincere gratitude for calling Pope Leo XIV to serve as the shepherd of the universal church.
May he lead us as a loving shepherd who cares for his flock and seeks out the lost sheep.
May he be for us a gentle and listening father, a faithful teacher and a steward of your sacred mysteries.
Grant him health, strength, and wisdom.
Strengthen the bonds of unity among us so that we may serve you as one body.
Purify us and sustain us in charity for your love for us never fails.
Grant that we may boldly answer your call to mission.
You who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
Amen./das