changes afoot

Today during the Eucharistic prayer at Mass instead of saying

"Lord, remember your Church throughout the world; make us grow in love, together with John Paul our Pope, Joseph our bishop, and all the clergy."

The priest said

"Lord, remember your Church throughout the world; make us grow in love, together Joseph our bishop, and all the clergy."

And then during the part where they usually say

"Remember our brothers and sisters who have gone to their rest in the hope of rising again; bring them and all the departed into the light of your presence."

He said

"Remember especially our dear departed Holy Father, Pope John Paul II and all of our brothers and sisters who have gone to their rest in the hope of rising again; bring them and all the departed into the light of your presence."

It was so weird! I am so used to having a Pope and now he is gone. But, as Ed said, now we have a powerful new intercessor in Heaven who will be able to do much more good now than he's ever been able to do before.

Pope John Paul II, pray for us and for our Church. Jesus, guide the cardinals to elect the Pope who You desire to be Your Vicar. May he be holy and desire only Your will.