Bishop Alfred Schlert will celebrate a special Diocesan Memorial Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at 12:15 p.m. Thursday at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown.

The Bishop also will lead a special Vespers service for the Pope Emeritus at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Cathedral.

All are invited to attend both the Vespers and the Mass. The Mass also will be livestreamed on the Diocese news website, www.ad-today.com, and on the Diocese’s YouTube and Facebook channels.

The retired Pope died Dec. 31. The date of the Diocesan Memorial Mass coincides with the date of his funeral in Rome.

“The Diocese of Allentown joins the Universal Church in praying for the repose of the soul of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI,” said Bishop Schlert. “May his love for Christ and His Church bring him to Eternal Life.”

“Together with Catholics and all men and women of good will, the priests, deacons, religious men and women, seminarians, and the lay faithful of our Diocese mourn the loss of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI,” the bishop said.

“He was a faithful son of the Church, and he used his considerable spiritual and intellectual gifts in service of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a champion of clarity regarding the constant teachings of the Church.

“Like many who met him, I found him to be a gentle, affable shepherd who truly cared for the person standing before him.

“May Pope Emeritus Benedict receive the reward of the good and faithful servant, as our prayers accompany his soul to Eternal Life.”