Date: March 28
The “24 Hours for the Lord” was introduced by Pope Francis in 2014 and has been held every year since. It is a Lenten initiative of prayer and reconciliation. It is celebrated on the eve of the Fourth Sunday of Lent each year. Its intention is to put the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation at the centre of the pastoral life of the Church. Parishes and communities can implement this initiative taking care to adapt it according to local needs and customs.
PRAYER
Gracious God,
we come before you with open hearts
to be healed by your love and mercy.
Look with compassion on us as we acknowledge our failures;
heal our wounds and stretch out your hand of love
to save us and raise us up.
Keep us free from harm as members of Christ’s body,
as sheep of your flock, as children of your family.
Hear the prayer we offer you O God.
Lead us back to the way of holiness,
and protect us now and always.
May we ever keep safe in all its fullness
the gift your love once gave us and your mercy now restores.
We pray in Jesus’ name,
he who lives with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, forever and ever. Amen.