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Earlier today NZ time 133 cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel with the key turned to lock.
The next time we see them we will have a new pope.
The conclave might last hours or days.
God knows.
Social media and news reports are rich and rife with speculation about who might be chosen.
But of course, only God knows.
The name the new pope takes will reveal more of his heart-felt hopes for the church than his earlier words and actions so name will he choose?
God knows.
Cardinal John Dew (pictured this morning taking the Conclave Oath) has asked us in Aotearoa to pray with and for him and his brothers in the ancient form of the Litany of the Saints.
So in these hours and days we pray that the divine intention for the Church and the world may be revealed through the conclave process.
You might find this audio version of the Litany helpful.
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We pray together, come Holy Spirit of the living God, fall down upon each Cardinal and inspire him to listen for your still small whisper. Amen.
Anne
I’m having a wee giggle as I hear the commentary on the radio and television.. speculation and news mongering is rife!
I remember My ways are not your ways says the Lord!
I’ll keep praying for those Holy men to listen for the Holy Spirits voice to guide them.