On Monday, March 4, 2013, the Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge celebrated Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and for the Cardinals who will participate in the conclave to choose his successor. Concelebrating with Bishop Burbidge were Msgr. David Brockman, Vicar General of the Diocese; Fr. Ned Shlesinger, Diocesan Director of Vocations; and Fr. Robert Schriber, Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart. Fr. Shlesinger will be traveling to Rome this week to visit the two Diocese of Raleigh seminarians studying there.
In his homily, the Bishop said of the next Pope, “We know that whoever that person is, it is not someone who will take that honor on himself but who will be the one who is chosen by God.”
Alluding to Benedict’s request that the Cardinal act “as an orchestra” in choosing the next Pope, the Bishop commented, “What a beautiful image for all of us to embrace, especially as we continue our Lenten journey, to show to others, to show to the world the unity that is ours as God’s holy family, as brothers and sisters in Christ.”
That unity, the Bishop said, “will show to the world what it means to be members of the one holy, catholic and apostolic Church.”
Read Bishop Burbidge’s homily
Watch Bishop Burbidge’s homily:
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Above: Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrating Mass for the Election of a New Pope at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Fr. Ned Shlesinger, Diocesan Vocations Director; Fr. Robert Shriber, Vice-Rector of the Cathedral; and Msgr. David D. Brockman concelebrated.
Below: Diocesan faithful attending celebration of Mass with intentions for the Cardinals who will elect the new Holy Father.
