During these historic days for the Church, I hereby
decree that the priests of the Diocese of Peoria are permitted to offer Special
masses for the Various Needs and Occasions, or Votive Masses, during the Season
of Lent, excluding Sundays, Solemnities, and holy Week, in accordance with the
norms of the General instruction of the Roman Missal.
Priests should use their good judgment as to which
orations and on which days would be most advantageous for the faithful. Masses in thanksgiving for the ministry of
Pope Benedict XVI would be most appropriate as well as Masses “For the Church:
for the Pope.” After February 28, 2013,
the texts for Masses “For the Church: for the Election of a Pope” should be
used.
In particular, I direct that between now and February 28th,
prayers should be included at every Mass in Thanksgiving to God for the
ministry of Pope Benedict XVI. And
during the “sede vacante” and especially through the conclave, prayers should
be offered to the Holy Spirit for His guidance and inspiration. Sample prayers will be forwarded to you in
the near future.
Given at my Chancery, this 15th Day of
February, AD 2013.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
+Most Reverend Daniel R. Jenky, CSC
Bishop of Peoria
Attest:
Msgr. James Kruse, JCL, Vicar General, Judicial Vicar
