Prayer on the Death of His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, by Father Don Talafous OSB, Monk of Saint John's Abbey, Collegeville, Minnesota.

Loving God, we commend to your care the Holy Father, John Paul II, who has passed from this life.

Your grace made him diligent and energetic in serving you and your people for these many years.

May that same grace now crown his generous efforts and work with joy and peace in your presence forever.

We thank you for his leadership and courage in proclaiming your word and serving the Body of Christ and our world.

We trust you to be with the Church through the Holy Spirit now and in all time to come as you have always been.

May those responsible for the election of a new pope be open and responsive to your grace and guidance.

Be with your people now in our sorrow to fill us with hope and trust for the future.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

-- Father Don Talafous OSB
Saint John's Abbey, Collegeville, Minn.