Press Release

24 Hours for the Lord

The 24 Hours for the Lord initiative, which I hope will be observed on March 13-14 throughout the Church, also at the diocesan level, is meant to be a sign of this need for prayer. (Message of Francis for Lent 2015)

For a second straight year, the Holy Father has invited dioceses, parishes and communities to join with him in participating in the initiative entitled 24 Hours for the Lord. This program, which has been organized by the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization and is aimed at placing the Sacrament of Reconciliation once again at the center of the pastoral activity of the Church, will be held on March 13th and 14th. The theme that will guide this year’s reflection is “God rich in mercy” (Eph. 2:4). will open the initiative by presiding at a penitential celebration in St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday, March 13th. Following the conclusion of this service, a number of churches throughout the City of will remain open for 24 hours with confessors available and Eucharistic Adoration. Dioceses, parishes and communities around the world are invited to adapt the initiative to their local situations and needs. A poster of the event can be downloaded for distribution at www.novaevangelizatio.va. A Pastoral Aid has been prepared in Italian, English, Spanish, French and Polish to assist those who have accepted the invitation of Pope Francis to participate in this event and will provide communities and individuals with a resource which will enable all people, be they near or distant from the Church, to reflect upon and celebrate the great gift of God’s mercy and forgiveness. For information on how to acquire this Pastoral Aid, please go to www.novaevangelizatio.va. For further details regarding the 24 Hours for the Lord initiative, please contact Rev. Geno Sylva, the English language on the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, at [email protected] or +39 06 698 69512.