Liturgy of Remembrance for Pope Francis

Paul Skippen

22 Apr 2025

Categories

Primary

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A Kind Heart, A Brave Voice, A Friend to All

Setting the Space

A large photo of Pope Francis is placed with the School Candle and an open Book of the Gospels. (Alternatively, a rolling collection of photos could be projected on the screen.)

Around it, student-written prayers of symbols of hope (e.g., doves, footprints, hearts …).

Music playing softly as the assembly gathers.

About this Ritual

This liturgy is designed to help primary students prayerfully remember and celebrate the life of Pope Francis. Through simple prayer, scripture, story, song, and reflection, students are invited to honour his love for Jesus, he care for others, and his deep joy.

The tone of the liturgy is gentle, hopeful, and age-appropriate. It highlights Pope Francis’ mission to spread kindness, care for creation, and include everyone – especially those who are often forgotten.

This is not just a moment of remembering; it’s an invitation for students to continue Pope Francis’ mission in small, meaningful ways in their own lives.

WE GATHER

Song

Do to Others (Halloran & Millward)

Welcome & Introduction

Today we are gathered to remember someone very special – Pope Francis.
He was a kind and gentle leader who loved God, loved people, and loved the Earth.
He reminded us to look after each other, especially people who are sad, sick, or lonely.
He told us to care for the planet and always choose kindness.
Now Pope Francis has gone to be with God in heaven, but we still carry his message in our hearts.

Opening Prayer

Leader :

Let us pray … (pause) …

All :

Loving God,
Thank you for Pope Francis.
He showed us how to love others,
how to care for the world, and how to follow Jesus.
Help us to be kind like him, brave like him, and full of joy like him.
Amen.

WE LISTEN

Scripture

Luke 10: 25 – 37 (The Good Samaritan) (Kid-friendly version)

Reader :

One day Jesus told a story to help people understand how to love others.

A man was walking along a road when some robbers attacked him. They hurt him and left him lying there.

A few people passed by, but they didn’t stop to help.

Then, a man from a place called Samaria came along. People didn’t expect him to stop – but he did!

He helped the hurt man, cleaned his wounds, and took him to a safe place.

He even paid for him to be looked after. Jesus asked, “Who was a good neighbour?”

The answer? The one who showed kindness.

Jesus said, “Go and do the same.”

The Story

Thank You, Pope Francis

Reader :

Pope Francis was a special leader in our Church. He didn’t wear a crown or live like a king. He smiled a lot, rode in a little car, and loved meeting people – especially the poor, the sick, and children just like you.

He told us that being kind is more important than being important. He reminded us to care for our Earth – because its own home, and God made it. He showed us that we should never ignore someone who’s hurting, and we should always choose love.

Pope Francis believe in young people. He believed you can do great things, even small things, to make the world better. Things like saying sorry, helping a friend, or standing up for someone who’s left out.

Now Pope Francis is with God in heaven. But we can keep his mission going – by being kind, brave, joyful, and full of love, just like he was.

Let’s remember: Big hearts change the world. And you’ve got one, too.

WE RESPOND

Simple Litany of Thanks

Leader :

Loving God, Today we thank you for Pope Francis. He showed us how to be kind, how to care for others, and how to live like Jesus. Now, with happy hearts, we say thank you for all the good he did. We remember his love, and we promise to keep sharing that love with the world.

Together, we pray …

Reader :

For his love of Jesus …

All :

Thank you, God.

Reader :

For his care for the earth …

All :

Thank you, God.

Reader :

For his kindness to everyone …

All :

Thank you, God.

Reader :

For believing in young people …

All :

Thank you, God.

Reader :

May we continue his mission …

All :

with hope, with love, with action.

Ritual Action

Carrying the Light

Student representatives are invited to comes forward and light a tealight candle from the School Candle.

As they light their candle, they are invited to whisper a word that describes Pope Francis to them. (“courage,” “mercy,” “peace,” “compassion,” “love,” “caring,” “hopeful” …)

WE GO

Final Blessing

Principal :

Loving God, Thank you for the life of Pope Francis. Help us to keep his kindness alive in our words and actions. May we be helpers, peacemakers, and friends to all.

All :

Amen.

Principal :

May God bless us with joy in our hearts, kindness in our hands, and love in everything we do.

All :

Amen.