Lord, our loving God,
We turn to you in our grief as we remember and celebrate the life, leadership, and priestly ministry of Father Theodore Hesburgh. Father Ted willingly served you through his extraordinary efforts to educate and form young minds and souls, to bring justice and equality to a divided nation, to work for peace instead of violence, and to serve the Church as a faithful, devoted servant.
In mercy and love, be with the Notre Dame community, the Congregation of Holy Cross, and Father Ted’s family as we prepare to entrust our brother to you.
Listen to our prayers for your servant Theodore whom you have called from this world; lead him gently to your kingdom in the same light and peace that he shared so graciously with us.
We pray this in the name of your risen Son.
Amen.