Praying for the Cardinal-Electors

The Conclave has begun!

There is a sense of great excitement in the Church - and even in the secular media! - about the papal election that began today. 133 Cardinals from around the world are meeting within the Sistine Chapel to select the next successor of St. Peter, and all eyes outside are on the lookout for the telltale white smoke from the chimney, announcing a successful vote!

Our primary duty as Catholics, however, is not simply watching and speculating - it is praying for the guidance of God’s Spirit upon this enormously important moment in the life of the Church.

In our monastery chapel this morning, we offered the special Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff, and we will be holding the Cardinals in special prayer as they seek to discern and select the man whom God has chosen to lead His Church in the years to come. Please join us in interceding for the conclave!

Veni, Sancte Spiritus!