By Charles Igwe
The annual Lenten event, “24 Hours for the Lord,” embraced by Pope Francis as a time for prayer and reconciliation, enters its eleventh year. Held globally in dioceses on the eve of the fourth Sunday of Lent, this year’s theme, “Walk in newness of life,” draws inspiration from Romans 6. Parishes are encouraged to keep their doors open for extraordinary prayer and confession opportunities from Friday, March 8th, to Saturday, March 9th, in preparation for Easter.
As part of the Year of Prayer, Pope Francis will preside over the initiative in a Rome parish, San Pio V, on Friday, March 8th, at 4:30 p.m. The faithful are invited to participate in the liturgy and receive the sacrament of reconciliation, with Pope Francis himself hearing confessions from some penitents.
To aid preparation, the Dicastery for the Evangelization has provided pastoral resources for personal prayer and community celebration, urging dioceses and parishes worldwide to join in this moment of prayer and reflection.
