24 Hours for the Lord is a new initiative of the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelisation.
The initiative, which begins on Friday 28 March 2014 at 5pm, focuses on the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
It’s hoped that at least one church in each diocese will remain open for the full 24 hours to offer the Sacrament to those who wish to celebrate it, preferably within the context of Eucharistic Adoration.
In Rome, the initiative will be presided over by Pope Francis with a penitential celebration in St. Peter’s Basilica, during which the Holy Father will be available to administer the Sacrament.
At the conclusion of this ceiebration, confessions will continue to be heard in a number of churches in the centre of Rome. These churches will remain open to accommodate those who wish to encounter the Lord and experience his mercy.
The celebration, along with Eucharistic Adoration, will continue until 4pm on Saturday 29 March, and will conclude at 5pm, with the celebration of First Vespers of Dominica in Laetare in the Church of Santo Spirito in Sassia, the Roman Sanctuary of Divine Mercy.
24 Hours for the Lord is for the whole Catholic Church and one of its main aims is to create a powerful tradition.
It’s hoped that the initiative will be held annually on the Fourth Sunday of Lent.
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The Council will be offering pastoral support to parishes and communities through the launch of this new website.
The Bishops’ Department for Evangelisation and Catechesis has commissioned the creation of new materials to encourage and support people to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. They are available in our Confession Section and have been collated by the Bishops’ Home Mission Desk.
