Death of Pope Benedict XVI
Statement from ALMS on the Death of Benedict XVI
Today, December 31, 2022, our beloved Pope Benedict XVI has gone to his eternal reward. The Arlington Latin Mass Society, in solidarity and unity with all the Catholics of the Diocese of Arlington and the whole world, take up our first duty: to pray for the repose of his soul. We will filially endeavor to follow the call of Bishop Burbidge to do this most fervently and piously.
Alongside that happy duty, we reflect upon Pope Benedict’s vital importance to our diocese, particularly the thousands of Catholics here attached to the traditional Mass and sacraments. In promulgating the 2007 motu proprio, Summorum Pontificum, Pope Benedict allowed the traditional Roman Rite to flourish in the Arlington diocese, resulting in more locations for the traditional Mass per capita than any other diocese in the world.
The traditional Mass and sacraments, overwhelmingly attended by younger Catholics and young Catholic families, led to a renaissance of the faith in Northern Virginia, and a cause behind which to stand during the current lamentable restrictions.
We lovingly place the soul of Pope Benedict in the merciful hands of the God he spent his life faithfully serving as a humble gardener in the Father’s vineyard. May Our Lady lead him to paradise, may the angels rejoice at his coming, and may he hear the words "well done, good and faithful servant, come into my rest."
Liturgies and Other Memorials for Pope Benedict
Monday, January 2
Mass for the Dead (Novus Ordo), St. Mary Mother of God, Chinatown, DC
Solemn Requiem Mass at 7 p.m., St. Anthony Mission, King George
Tuesday, January 3
Mass for the Dead (Novus Ordo) at 7 p.m., St. James, Falls Church
Book of Condolences open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See, 3339 Massachusetts Ave, Washington, DC. Messages of condolence can also be emailed to na.usa@diplomat.va or sent by regular mail.
Wednesday, January 4
Book of Condolences open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See, 3339 Massachusetts Ave, Washington, DC. Messages of condolence can also be emailed to na.usa@diplomat.va or sent by regular mail.
Adoration and Benediction for the repose of his soul at 6 p.m., St. Mary Mother of God, Chinatown, DC
Vespers for the Dead at 7 p.m., followed by a reception, St. Thomas Apostle, Woodley Park, DC (Archdiocese of Washington)
Thursday, January 5
Low Requiem Mass at 7 a.m., St. John the Baptist in the Historic Church, Front Royal
Sung Requiem Mass at 7:30 p.m., St. Rita, Alexandria
Friday, January 6
Vespers for the Dead (Novus Ordo) at 7 p.m., St. Rita, Alexandria
Wednesday, January 11
Sung Requiem Mass at 6 p.m., St. Joseph, Richmond (Diocese of Richmond)
Tuesday, January 31 – One month after his death
Solemn Requiem Mass at 7:30 p.m., Priory of the Annunciation (Canons Regular), Charles Town, WV (Diocese of Wheeling–Charleston)
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