VATICAN - The Holy Father celebrates Mass for the repose of the souls of the cardinals and bishops who died during the past year: “Each was called in the Church to make his own and put into practice the words of the Apostle Paul “Life to me, of course, is Christ,”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “Today we have gathered around the Lord’s altar to celebrate Mass for the repose of the souls of the cardinals and bishops whom God called from this life during the past year. As we hear the names we see again the familiar faces of the deceased cardinals who left us in the past twelve months: Leo Scheffczyk, Pio Taofinu’u, Raúl Francisco Primatesta, Angel Suquía Goicoechea, Johannes Willebrands, Louis-Albert Vachon, Dino Monduzzi and Mario Francesco Pompedda. I would like to mention each of the archbishops and bishops but it is enough to recall the consoling certainty that their names are "written in heaven" as Jesus assured His Apostles, (Lk 10,20).” With these words Pope Benedict XVI began his homily during Mass on Saturday 4 November in St Peter’s, offered for the repose of the souls of the cardinals and bishops who died during the past year.
“Recalling the names of these departed brothers in the faith - the Pope said in his homily - we are reminded of the sacrament of Baptism, which for them as for all Christians, marked the moment of entry into the communion of saints. At the end of life, death deprives us of everything which is earthly, but not of that Grace and sacramental ‘character’ which associated us inseparably from the Paschal Mystery of Our Lord and Savour. Stripped of everything but clothed in Christ: the baptised cross the threshold of death and present themselves to God who is just and merciful”.
Reflecting of the readings of the Mass the Pope explained that the vision of dry bones narrated by the Prophet Ezekiel (37,1-14) in the light of Christ’s paschal mystery acquires the value of a universal parable on the human race. “God’s word, incarnated in Jesus comes to live in the world, which for many is a desolate valley; in full solidarity with humanity he announces the good news of eternal life. This announcement of hope is proclaimed even in the depth of the underworld, while the path to the promised Land is opened definitively”. The Gospel proclaimed the first verses of the great prayer of Jesus reported by St John in chapter 17. “The Lord’s words reveal that the ultimate purpose of the entire "work" of the incarnate Son of God was to give eternal life to humanity… to know Jesus is to know the Father and to enter into deep communion with the very Origin of Life, Light and Love.”
The Holy Father urged those present to thank God who “made his name known to the cardinals and bishops who left us”. “Each was called in the Church to make his own and put into practice the words of the Apostle Paul “Life to me, of course, is Christ,” (Phil 1,21), proclaimed in the second reading. This calling received in Baptism was strengthened in them with the Sacrament of Confirmation and the three grades of Holy Orders, and constantly nourished by participation in the Eucharist”. Last of all the Pope asked the Lord to grant that these recently deceased cardinals and bishops may reach “the longed-for destination”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 6/11/2006, righe 39, parole 539)