Final days

It dawned on me yesterday that today is the last school day with Pope Benedict XVI as our pope.  His resignation goes into effect next week when we are on February break.  It is fitting that our final school day with him as pope falls on the feast of the Chair of St. Peter.  In Pope Benedict's honor this was our prayer today (from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops):

O God, true shepherd of all the faithful,
look with kindness on your servant Pope Benedict XVI,
whom you set as head and shepherd of  Your Church.

We give you thanks for your grace at work in him
as he had led us by word and example:
in his teaching, in his prayer and in his great love.

Grant him your strength in frailty, comfort in sorrow,
and serenity amid the trials of this world;
and guide your Church, built on the rock of Peter,
with the power of your Spirit as we continue on the path that leads to you.
Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.