February 11

As you know by now, Benedict XVI has submitted his letter of resignation from the Petrine Ministry, effective as of 8:00 p.m. 28FEB12.  The last pope to resign was Celestine V, a Benedictine monk from Sicily who’s term as pope lasted five months and eight days. He resigned as of 13 December 1294 and returned to being a Benedictine monk who devoted his live to prayer and solitude. This, by the way, is what Benedict XVI has cited for he will do after he is now longer pope.

What now? Well, as best I know the College of Cardinals will assemble in a Conclave immediately after Benedict XVI’s resignation takes effect and the Chair of Peter is vacant.

This is, of course, a major shock. The Catholic Church has not seen anything like this since 1294. Pray for the cardinals that they may with open hearts and full sincerity follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

Fr. Charlie

February 4

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

Philippians 4:8