The initiative «24 hours for the Lord», a heartfelt initiative of prayer and reconciliation desired by Pope Francisco, which is celebrated every year in the dioceses of the whole world in anticipation of the IV Domingo of Charisma, has reached its eleventh edition. The theme chosen by the Pope for this edition, which will be celebrated from the 8th to the 9th of March, is taken from chapter 6 of the Charter to the Romans: «Let us walk in a new life». In preparation for the Easter of the Resurrection, which comes at night and throughout Saturday, it is proposed that the ecclesiastical communities provide for an extraordinary opening of the churches, to offer the faithful the opportunity to hold adoration at any time and the opportunity to confess.

The Pope in the parish of San Pío V

This year’s edition is marked the Year of Prayer, and the 24 Hours for the Lord will be an opportunity to live the prayer of forgiveness. Last year, to better characterize the presence in the parish communities, Pope Francisco presided over the celebration in a parish in the city of Rome. In this edition, the liturgy with the Pontiff will be celebrated on March 8, 2024, at 4.30 pm in the parish church of San Pío V (Largo San Pío V, 3). During the celebration, you will have the opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation for all the feelings that desire it. Pope Francis will also confess to some penitents.

A liturgical – pastoral subsidio

The open doors of the churches are symbols of the merciful love of God. As preparation for this event, the Dicastery for Evangelization has published a liturgical-pastoral aid which contains information on personal prayer and suggestions for celebrations in the community. Indeed, the proposal was made to the dioceses and parishes, in Italy and throughout the world, to celebrate the moment of prayer also in their own community. The grant can be downloaded free of charge, in Italian, English, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish and French, from the Dicastery’s website.
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