Liturgical commemoration of Queen Elizabeth II; Prayer for King Charles III
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Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022)
Suggestions for Liturgy and Prayer in Memory of Queen Elizabeth II
In Catholic communities, the following Mass selections and related readings and prayers might be used.
For Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022)
Liturgical Texts
Roman Missal (2010) Masses for the Dead, p. 1432ff
Scripture Texts
Lectionary (1981) Vol. III, Masses for the Dead, pp. 849ff
General Intercessions – Suggestions
Adapted from the Roman Missal, p. 1526
Introduction
Let us in faith call upon God the almighty Father,
who raised Christ his Son from the dead,
as we pray for the salvation of the living and the dead
- That God may be pleased to admit for ever to the company of the Saints his deceased servant, Elizabeth, who once through Baptism received the seed of eternal life, let us pray to the Lord.
- That the families of all those who have died, particularly members of Queen Elizabeth’s family, will be united in their faith and a source of inspiration for those in their care, let us pray to the Lord.
- That all in positions of responsibility in Church and society, particularly, King Charles III, will exercise their role with dedication to duty, discretion and generosity towards those in need, let us pray to the Lord.
- That all those who have died will rest in the peace of Christ and rise in glory on the last day, let us pray to the Lord.
Conclusion
May the prayer of those who cry to you benefit the souls of your servants, O Lord:
free, them, we pray, from all their sins and make them sharers in your redemption.
Through Christ our Lord.
- Amen.
Liturgical Music – Suggestions
Guide Me O, Thou Great Redeemer [Together in Song (1999) 569]
The Lord’s My Shepherd [Catholic Worship Book II (1999) 620]
Immortal Invisible (TIS 143)
Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven [CWBII 588]
God Save the King (see public domain websites)
Others as appropriate
For King Charles III
Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions
II: For Civil Needs
No. 24 For the Head of State or Ruler (RM p. 1351)
Collect
O God, to whom every human power is subject,
grant to your servant King Charles III
success in the exercise of his high office,
so that, always revering you and striving to please you,
he may constantly secure and preserve
for the people entrusted to his care
the freedom that comes from civil peace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Message of Condolence from Pope Francis
“I willingly join all who mourn her loss in praying for the late Queen’s eternal rest, and in paying tribute to her life of unstinting service to the good of the Nation and the Commonwealth, her example of devotion to duty, her steadfast witness of faith in Jesus Christ and her firm hope in his promises.” (Official Vatican Website/Translation required).
Vespers in Ecumenical Contexts
Useful References
- Catholic Worship Book II (2016)
- Together in Song: Australian Hymn Book II (1999)
- Christ Our Light: Prayers, Responses & Music for Morning & Evening Prayer, edited by Bryan Spinks including music by Malcolm Archer, Michael Joncas, Colin Mawby, Harrison Oxley, Simon Reynolds, Alan Ridout, Norman Warren & Others (Kevin Mayhew, 1990).
Practical Suggestions
– avoid politicising liturgical commemoration of Queen Elizabeth II with monarchy vs republic arguments;
– avoid ‘canonising’ the deceased monarch;
– maintain sensitivity towards members of the community who may be feeling the death quite deeply or who may hold diverse views;
– following Queen Elizabeth’s example, in public discourse, be mindful of the values of diplomacy and understatement: less is more.
Useful Websites