A Memorial Mass for His Late Holiness Pope Francis will be celebrated in the Diocese of Corpus Christi on Wednesday, April 23 at 6:30 pm in Corpus Christi Cathedral. All are invited to attend.

A Memorial Mass is similar to a Funerary Mass, with prayers for the repose of the soul of the deceased person. (The late Holy Father's funeral Mass will take place in Rome on Saturday.)

The Most Reverend Wm. Michael Mulvey, Bishop of Corpus Christi, will celebrate the Mass, and will be joined by concelebrating priests from throughout our Diocese.
This is an opportunity for the people of our diocese and also throughout our community to join together in prayer and thanksgiving for the life of Pope Francis, a humble servant of Christ and a shepherd to the world. In many public addresses, Pope Francis concluded with an assurance of his prayers, and added, "and please do not forget to pray for me." The Memorial Mass is an excellent opportunity to fulfill this request.
As is tradition when a pope passes away, the Church will enter a period of mourning. On the day of his funeral (Sat. Apr. 26 in Rome), the Church begins a period known as novendiales— a novena or period of nine days of mourning which are rooted in ancient Christian and Roman tradition. This period will extend through May 4.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) explains:
"The entire Church mourns the death of the Holy Father, Pope Francis. In cathedrals, basilicas, parish churches, shrines, and chapels the Holy Eucharist will be offered for the repose of his soul. Communities and individuals will ask God to bestow his infinite mercy on the man who served the Church as Bishop of Rome."

USCCB has prepared resources for the novendiales which are available on their website (https://www.usccb.org/novena-memory-pope-francis)

"This novena has been prepared to help pray for the Pope during the time of mourning. The daily novena – lasting for the novendiales period from April 26 to May 4, 2025 – consists of a short reading from Scripture or some other ecclesiastical text and some brief prayers, including orations drawn from the Roman Missal and the Order of Christian Funerals."

Novena prayers are available in both English (PDF) and Spanish (PDF).