Legazpi prelate to celebrate mass as Conclave begins

By Rhaydz Barcia

Legazpi City — As the Papal Conclave begins today to elect a new Pope, Bishop Joel “Bong” Z. Baylon of the Diocese of Legazpi will celebrate a special Holy Mass and is calling on parishioners to join in praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The Mass, intended for the cardinal electors, will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, at the Saint Gregory the Great Cathedral in Albay.

“As the Universal Church enters this significant period of discernment and prayer, we are invited to remain united in prayer and, as far as we are able, to offer voluntary acts of fasting and sacrifice,” Bishop Baylon said.

“Let us entrust the Conclave to the Holy Spirit that the 267th Successor of Saint Peter may be chosen according to the will of God and serve as a faithful shepherd to the people of God” he added.

The Conclave begins today in Vatican City, with 133 cardinal electors gathering in the Sistine Chapel to choose the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church following the demise of Pope Francis.

Among the 133 electors are three Filipino cardinals: Luis Antonio Tagle, Jose Advincula, and Pablo Virgilio David.

The Diocese of Legazpi encourages all the faithful to attend the diocesan Mass and pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Priests available are also encouraged to concelebrate the Mass.

The Diocese of Legazpi also released the prayer for the Conclave which read as follows:

Heavenly Father, You are the eternal Shepherd who never leaves Your flock untended.

As the Church prepares to choose the next successor of St. Peter, we lift up to You the cardinals who will gather in conclave.

Send forth Your Holy Spirit upon them - the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, and right judgment.

Guide their hearts and minds, that they may discern not with human preference, but with divine inspiration.

May they seek a shepherd after Your own heart - a man of faith and courage, of humility and mercy, who will lead the Church in truth, unity, and holiness.

Grant peace and protection to the Church during this sacred time.

May all the faithful remain united in prayer, trusting in Your providence.

O Mary, Mother of the Church, intercede for us.

St. Peter, pray for us.

Come, Holy Spirit, and renew the face of the Church.

Amen.

On April 28, 2025, Earlier, Bishop Joel Z. Baylon visited the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila to sign the Book of Condolences for His Holiness Pope Francis.

Rather than simply offering a note of condolences, he conveyed a personal letter to the Holy Father, expressing the prayers and filial affection of the clergy and faithful of the Diocese of Legazpi.

Bishop Joel Z. Baylon of the Diocese of Legazpi hugs Pope Francis while in 2016 the prelate of Legazpi along with cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle shares a happy and teasing mementos with Pope Francis regarding the pinangat, a renowned delicacy from Albay. Pinangat is a delicious delicacy a fusion of taro leaves, chili, meat, cooked in coconut milk and wrapped with taro leaves. (Photos from the wall of Bishop Baylon)