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image fromThe Globe And Mail

black smoke...
the colour of umbrellas
disappointment
--gillena cox


Yesterday, Tuesday March 12th 2013 ...

... the 115 scarlet-robed prelates chanted the Litany of Saints, the sounds of the Gregorian chant echoing through the soaring hall as, walking two-by-two, they implored the saints to guide their voting They then took an oath of secrecy, first collectively and then individually, as each placed his right hand on the gospel and intoned the words in Latin accented by their native languages...

...And today Wednesday March 13th 2013 they meet again to vote


PRAYER FOR THE ELECTION OF A NEW POPE
Lord God, You are our eternal shepherd and guide. Fill with your Spirit the Conclave which will elect a new Bishop of Rome, a new Pontiff for the Universal Church.In your mercy give us the joy of receiving a shepherd after your own heart who will walk in your ways and whose watchful care will bring us your blessing.In this Year of Faith, give us a shepherd who will be able to fill our hearts and minds with the truth of your gospel. May he be to all your people an example of faith and goodness.We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.