OLMC’s Novendiales: Remembering Pope Francis
A Nine-Day Prayer Journey for our students, staff and community.
In our Catholic tradition, when a pope dies, the community enters a special time of prayer called the Novendiales — nine days of mourning and reflection. Each day focuses on the values and legacy the pope shared with the world.
Day 1: God’s Mercy is for Everyone
What did Pope Francis teach?
He told us that God never gives up on anyone. Mercy means love that forgives and welcomes.
Quote: ’Mercy is the Lord’s most powerful message’ – Pope Francis
Scripture: ‘Be kind and merciful, just like your Father in heaven.’ – Luke 6:36
Prayer:
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
God, help us show kindness and mercy, just like Pope Francis did.
Help us to forgive and love, even when it’s hard. Amen.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.
May the soul of Pope Francis, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Day 2: Stand with the Poor
What did Pope Francis teach?
He said the Church should care most for people who are struggling—those without homes, jobs, or help.
Quote: ‘The poor are at the heart of the Gospel.’ – Pope Francis
Scripture: ‘Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.’ – Matthew 25:40
Prayer:
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
God, open our eyes to people who need help.
Show us how to share what we have, and to be generous like Pope Francis. Amen.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.
May the soul of Pope Francis, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Day 3: Care for the Earth
What did Pope Francis teach?
He said the Earth is a gift from God, and it’s our job to look after it—for ourselves and future generations.
Quote: ‘The Earth herself… cries out because of the harm we have done.’ – Laudato Si’
Scripture: ‘The Earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.’ – Psalm 24:1
Prayer:
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
God, help us take care of Your creation.
Let our actions protect the planet, like Pope Francis taught us.
Amen.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.
May the soul of Pope Francis, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Day 4: Talk with Respect
What did Pope Francis teach?
He encouraged people to talk, even when they disagree, and to always treat others with respect.
Quote: ‘Dialogue is born from respect for others.’ – Pope Francis
Scripture: ‘Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.’ – James 1:19
Prayer:
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Jesus, help us to listen first and speak kindly.
Teach us to be peacemakers and bridge-builders, like Pope Francis. Amen.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.
May the soul of Pope Francis, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Day 5: Live Simply. Smile Often.
What did Pope Francis teach?
He lived simply and reminded us that joy is part of faith. Even small acts of love matter.
Quote: ‘Let us not lose the joy of the Gospel!’ – Evangelii Gaudium
Scripture: ‘Rejoice in the Lord always!’ – Philippians 4:4
Prayer:
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
God, thank You for the joy Pope Francis brought to the world.
Help us to be joyful, thankful, and kind each day. Amen.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.
May the soul of Pope Francis, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Day 6: Go and Make a Difference
What did Pope Francis teach?
He said our faith should lead us to help others, not just stay in our comfort zones.
Quote: ‘The Church must go to the edges of society!’ – Pope Francis
Scripture: ‘Go and make disciples of all nations.’ – Matthew 28:19
Prayer:
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
God, give us the courage to speak up, help out, and love boldly.
Like Pope Francis, may we live our faith in action. Amen.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.
May the soul of Pope Francis, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Day 7: Everyone Deserves Respect
What did Pope Francis teach?
He believed every person is valuable—no matter their background, choices, or situation.
Quote: ‘Each person is holy and deserves our love.’ – Pope Francis
Scripture: ‘You are precious in my eyes, and I love you.’ – Isaiah 43:4
Prayer:
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Jesus, help us to treat every person with care and respect.
May we see others the way You do. Amen.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.
May the soul of Pope Francis, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Day 8: Listen with Your Heart
What did Pope Francis teach?
He wanted the Church to be a listening community, where everyone has a voice.
Quote: ‘The Church is called to listen.’ – Pope Francis
Scripture: ‘Speak, Lord, I’m listening.’ – 1 Samuel 3:10
Prayer:
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
God, help us to listen—not just with our ears, but with our hearts.
Like Pope Francis, help us make space for every voice. Amen.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.
May the soul of Pope Francis, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Day 9: Always Choose Hope
What did Pope Francis teach?
He believed no matter how hard life gets, we should never give up. God is always with us.
Quote: ‘Let us not be robbed of hope!’ – Pope Francis
Scripture: ‘May the God of hope fill you with peace.’ – Romans 15:13
Prayer:
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
God, thank You for Pope Francis and his faith in You.
Help us to be hopeful, joyful, and loving.
May we live with the trust that good will always rise. Amen.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.
May the soul of Pope Francis, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.