Allentown Diocese sets memorial Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

Jan. 1—The Allentown Diocese announced Sunday that Bishop Alfred Schlert will celebrate a special memorial Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on Thursday at 12:15 p.m. in the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown.

The bishop also will lead a special Vespers service for Benedict, who died Saturday, on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the cathedral.

All are invited to attend both services. The Mass also will be livestreamed on the diocese's website, www.ad-today.com, and on the diocese's YouTube and Facebook channels.

The date of the Mass coincides with the date of his funeral in Rome.

"The Diocese of Allentown joins the universal church in praying for the repose of the soul of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI," Schlert said. "May his love for Christ and his church bring him to eternal life."