Jorge Bergoglio, RIP

Yesterday, Easter Sunday, Christians around the world celebrated the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Today, Easter Monday, at 0945 local time, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced the death of Jorge Borgoglio, the man whom most Catholics called "Pope Francis", in these words:

"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."

Pope Bergoglio had been ill for some time. His "miraculous recovery" (see "Is Pope Francis compos or non compos?", WWW 25/3/25), appears to have been the result of the intervention of the Vatican's doctors, to the end that there should be no disruption of Easter Sunday, the holiest day of the on the Church calendar. And now the poor old man is at rest. May God have mercy on his soul.

Much will be written in the coming days about the decline of the Church -- not just my opinion but a visible and established fact -- which occurred on Francis' watch. God only knows how much of the crisis in which the Church now finds Herself is attributable directly or indirectly to the actions or neglect of Pope Bergoglio. What we must now watch for and pray for is the healing and recovery of Holy Mother Church from the ills of the decades since Vatican II.

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

The Feast of the Archangels

Today, the 8th day of November is the Feast Day of Saint Michael the Archangel, Commander of the Heavenly Host, and of the Archangels Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salaphiel, Jegudiel, and Barachiel, together with the Angels, Thrones, Dominions, Principalities, Authorities, Powers, Six-winged Seraphim, Many-eyed Cherubim and the other Bodiless Powers. 

 • Archangels (I Thessalonians 4:16) are messengers of great and wondrous tidings. They reveal prophecies and the mysteries of the Faith. They enlighten people to know and understand the will of God, they spread faith in God among the people, illuminating their minds with the light of the Holy Gospel. 

 • Angels (I Peter 3:22) are in the lowest rank of the heavenly hierarchy, and closest to people. They reveal the lesser mysteries of God and His intentions, guiding people to virtuous and holy life. They support those who remain steadfast, and they raise up the fallen. They never abandon us and they are always prepared to help us, if we desire it. 

All the Ranks of the Heavenly Powers are called angels, although each has its own name and position by virtue of their service. The Lord reveals His will to the highest ranks of the angels, and they in turn inform the others. 

Over all the Nine Ranks, the Lord appointed the Holy Archangel Michael (his name means "who is like unto God"), the faithful servitor of God, as Chief Commander.

From the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Archangels, let us pray: 

We magnify you, O archangels and angels, and all the hosts, cherubim and seraphim, which glorify the Lord.

Supreme Commanders of the heavenly hosts, we who are unworthy beseech you, by your prayers encompass us beneath the wings of your immaterial glory, and faithfully preserve us who fall down and cry to you, "Deliver us from all harm, for you are the Leaders of the Powers on high!"

And less us conclude with the prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel: 

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who roam through the world seeking the ruin of souls.