Eternal Rest Grant Unto Him: Viatorians’ Prayers for Pope Francis

As the Church mourns the death of Pope Francis and celebrates his life and papacy, Viatorian communities are praying together.

St. Viator School Turns to Mary

St. Viator students returned from Easter Break on Tuesday aware of the news and eager to come together. Principal Dr. Katie Kiss encouraged the faculty to reflect on Francis throughout the week. “My favorite message from Pope Francis was his emphasis on inclusion and care for the marginalized. This message resonates deeply at St. Viator, especially as we uphold the mission of our inclusive Micah 6:8 Program, which affirms the dignity and value of every child,” Dr. Kiss aid.

To prepare a prayer service, Dr. Kiss teamed up with Associate Paul Mertzman, vice principal, Fr. Dan Belanger, CSV, parochial vicar for St. Viator Catholic Community, and a student government leader who serves as Commissioner of Religious Affairs. Mr. Mertzman recommended the rosary, which students practice and learn about regularly in their school, as the center of their prayer service. Fr. Dan led a brief reflection and prayer, and for their communal decade of the rosary, Dr. Kiss chose the Fifth Glorious Mystery: The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth. It’s a fitting pairing with Francis’ Marian devotion of praying before and after all his trips at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where he will also be laid to rest.

“In moments of collective sorrow and spiritual significance, Catholic schools play a vital role in guiding students through faith-based reflection, prayer, and unity. At St. Viator, we are blessed to share our faith openly and to support one another through both joyful and difficult times,” Dr. Kiss said. “Prayer is not just a practice—it is a lived expression of our Catholic identity. Our hope is that these experiences spark ongoing dialogue at home and within our parish community about the life and legacy of Pope Francis, and the enduring values he championed.”

Making Space for Prayer

The Catholic Church takes a 15-day period for mourning the death of a pope, including a traditional novena that begins on the day of the pope’s funeral. For those who will not travel to Rome, local pieties help us take part.

In Bourbonnais, Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church kept its doors open and unlocked for extended hours this week. Parishioners were welcomed and encouraged to offer individual prayers in the immediate wake of the pope’s death.

In the Las Vegas area, parishes shared details of an archdiocesan memorial Mass: Friday, April 25, 12:10pm, at Guardian Angel Cathedral.

And online, reflections, statements, and special posts offer a diverse celebration of Pope Francis: hear from Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, Provincial; Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago; Archbishop George Leo Thomas, Ph.D of Las Vegas; and Bishop Ronald Hicks of Joliet.

Consolation in the Closeness of Francis

Catholics practice piety toward relics ­– that is, something from a holy person that we retain out of reverence. This piety only becomes formal when a person is canonized, but our faith guides us toward cherishing special items that call to mind dearly departed people.

At Viator House of Hospitality, a special framed letter hangs in the doorway. The letter is from Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Pope Francis’ Secretary of State for the Vatican. It shares how Francis was “pleased to learn” of the Viatorians’ commitment to asylum seekers. Perhaps most strikingly, Cardinal Parolin shares, “With these sentiments of gratitude, the Holy Father will remember you, your associates, and the residents of Viator House in his prayers and cordially sends his blessing as a pledge of peace and strength in the Lord.”

Meanwhile, at the Viatorian Province Center chapel, another special item has temporarily joined our reliquary chapel: beside our display of saints’ relics, we have the zucchetto (clerical cap) that Francis first wore upon his election as pope. A friend of the Viatorians has loaned the item to the community.

As we pray and mourn together, let us celebrate a pastoral leader who sought to be close to the People of God. Mary, Mother of God and Our Lady of Grace, and Saint Viator, pray for Pope Francis!