1. During this time, the daily meetings in Rome that are being held in the New Synod Hall at the Vatican are called General Assemblies. This period of time now is for the Cardinals to discern God's will for the Church, pray to the Holy Spirit, deliberate with one another, discuss the problems and necessities in the Church, to get to know one another and to suggest potential candidates. They are having meetings, giving speeches, discussing potential candidates and learning each others' strengths and weaknesses over Italian coffee. Really, it's true. There are only 2 Cardinals left to arrive. As they arrive they take the Oath of Confidentiality and Secrecy. The Cardinals are no longer able to participate in press conferences. 2. The Sistine Chapel has now been closed to the public as of yesterday, but there is a timely process to ready the Chapel for Conclave. They lay an elevated floor over the existing one to protect it. They bring in the tables and urns for voting and they put wires under the floor to set up a sound system, as well as protective and disabling devices to prevent any electronic or other communications from coming in or out, and to protect against anyone attempting to leave listening devices in the Chapel.
3. It was thought that the Conclave would begin today or even Monday, but at this point the Cardinals are not saying even a projected date. Those were simply conjectures by the media. Once the Cardinals decide, we will know.
4. There are many conjectures by the media as to whom our new Pontiff might be. Due to the Oath of Secrecy taken by the Cardinals, none of these possibilities can be confirmed or denied. It is such an exciting time to try to guess whom the Holy Spirit will choose as our Holy Father through the intercession of the Cardinals, but the best thing to do is be patient and let the Holy Spirit work.
5. It is important during this time of General Assembly for the Cardinals to pray and discern.
6. The Cardinals and Vatican Officials have asked the people to pray for them. Let us unite our prayers together and do just that!
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Father, send down Your Spirit over the Conclave. Let the Holy Spirit inspire the hearts of the Cardinals, that they may choose the man most pleasing to You, as Successor of Peter and Your Vicar on earth. May Mary, Your Mother and Mother of the Church, be our advocate. Amen.
(Prayer by Dr. Mark Miraville, Professor of Theology
and Mariology at Franciscan University of Steubenville)
To learn more about what is happening in the Church at this time, I invite you to visit these sites. They offer some very relevant and interesting information on this time of transition in the Church:
These links will also be placed in our Resources tab during this transition and Conclave.
Written by Nicolette
