24 Hours for the Lord in the Year of Mercy

Be part of 24 Hours for the Lord occurring throughout the world
24 Hours for the Lord will be observed on 4-5 March 2016 in St Patrick's Cathedral in Parramatta and the Schoenstatt Shrine at Mulgoa. Photo: Art in Images.

Posted on 19 February 2016

For the second year, Pope Francis has welcomed the 24 Hours for the Lord initiative to be celebrated during Lent. In the Diocese of Parramatta the special time for prayer and Reconciliation will take place on Friday 4 March and Saturday 5 March 2016.

The Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelisation has said the theme this year that will guide the reflection is God rich in mercy (Eph 2:4).

Churches around the world have been asked where possible to dedicate a full 24 hours to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, ensuring the initiative coincides with Eucharistic adoration.

Prior to the initiative last year Pope Francis had often repeated that going to Confession was not like a torture chamber.

He said in catechesis at the General Audience in 2013: “You turn red once, you’re absolved of your sins, and you move on. Even I go to Confession every 15 days, because the Pope is also a sinner.”

The Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelisation wanted to reinforce that statement and when the first 24 Hours for the Lord was introduced it was received with great enthusiasm with many people taking advantage of churches being open around-the-clock for Reconciliation and adoration.

In Rome, Pope Francis will preside at a penitential celebration, “a celebration of forgiveness”, in St Peter’s Basilica in order to place the Sacrament of Reconciliation at the centre of the Church’s mission of the New Evangelisation.

St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta

St Patrick's Cathedral, Parramatta.

St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta.

Be part of 24 Hours for the Lord occurring throughout the world. Engaging options include guided reflection, musical worship, prayer stations and Reconciliation (2pm-midnight and again from 10am) plus adoration right through the 24 hours.

St Patrick’s Cathedral, 1 Marist Place, Parramatta.

www.mercyhasaface.org.au

Mount Schoenstatt Shrine, Mulgoa

Commences with Mass at 6pm on Friday 4 March and finishes with Mass at 5pm on Saturday 5 March. A time of adoration accompanied by reflection on the hour and silence on the half hour for 30 minutes. Come for an hour, or 24! ‘Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak’ (Mk 14:38).

Inquiries: tel Jim 0432 487 927 or Ann-Maree (02) 4773 8338 (BH).

Mount Schoenstatt, 230 Fairlight Road, Mulgoa.

www.schoenstatt.org.au

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Parish, Upper Blue Mountains

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Parish in the Upper Blue Mountains.

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Parish in the Upper Blue Mountains.

Commencing with Mass at noon on Friday 4 March there will be a full 24-hour program of prayer, devotions, rosaries, Divine Office, Divine Mercy prayers, special family segments of prayer, Exposition and Confession. A special devotion or feature is planned for on the hour with the remainder of the hour given to personal prayer. Mass on Saturday 5 March is at 9.30am. 24 Hours for the Lord will end at noon on Saturday with benediction.

If you would like to put your name down to participate, please contact the Parish Priest, Rev Ted Tyler, tel (02) 4782 2804.

St Canice’s Church, 158 Katoomba Street, Katoomba.

Source: with Archdiocese of Sydney.

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