Cathedral prayer vigil for those who will elect Pope

As the Cardinal-electors of the Roman Catholic Church prepare to enter the Conclave for the election of a new Pope, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine will host a Solemn Prayer Vigil to ask the Holy Spirit’s guidance in the process.

The Vigil will be celebrated on Sunday, March 10 at 7:00 p.m. The Bishop of St. Augustine, the Most Reverend Felipe J. Estévez, will preside at the liturgy.

“As the Cathedral of the local Catholic diocese and as a minor basilica, we sort of have a double responsibility to celebrate this rite,” the Cathedral’s rector, Fr. Thomas Willis, said in making the announcement. “Since we are a basilica we share in the ministry of the one who serves as Successor of St. Peter — so, it’s very appropriate for us to have this liturgy just before the Conclave begins.”

It is customary in the Catholic Church that the faithful gather to seek the Holy Spirit‘s presence upon those who will fulfill the responsibility of electing the next Supreme Pontiff in the days leading up to the Conclave.

This liturgy, which is not a Mass, is open to all who desire to come and pray with the Catholic community.

The service will be one of prayers, proclamation of the Sacred Scriptures and intercessions. It will also include the ancient chant “Veni, Creator Spiritus,” a traditional prayer in which the Holy Spirit is invoked upon the Church.

The Cathedral is located at 38 Cathedral Place in downtown St. Augustine.