For the last 10 years, at the initiative of Pope Francis, the day of prayer called “24 hours for the Lord” has been taking place during Lent. This day is held all over the world, especially on the Friday/Saturday before the fourth Sunday of Lent. In 2024, the event will take place from March 8th to 9th.
The motto chosen by Pope Francis for this year’s event is: “Let us lead a new life” (Rom 6:4). According to Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, “the aim of the event is to put the sacrament of reconciliation back at the center of the pastoral life of the Church, of all ecclesial realities. This is the center of the Gospel message: the mercy of God, which gives us the certainty that before the Lord no one will find a judge, but rather a father who welcomes him, consoles him and also shows him the path of renewal.”
The dicastery also offers an aid for the day of prayer – download here the text in English.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament initiatives are taking place all over the world and, in a special way, the Church offers the possibility of receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation to many who wish to do so.
The “24 Hours for the Lord” in the Original Shrine in Schoenstatt
This year, the motto of the “24 Hours” at the Original Shrine in Schoenstatt will be: “His present – our future”. They will begin on Friday, March 8 at 6:00 p.m. (local Schoenstatt time) and will end on Saturday, March 9 at 6:00 p.m.
There will be times of adoration, music and prayers in different languages, silent prayer, meditations, etc. There will also be an opportunity for confession for those who can participate in person.
Those who follow from a distance will be able to pray from home via webcam, click on the link below:
Program at the Original Shrine
Friday, March 8th
6:00 p.m. – Angelus and opening prayer
7:00 p.m. – Rosary (in German)
7:45 p.m. – Evening Blessing
8:00 p.m. – Time for group adoration
10:00 p.m. – Silent AdorationSaturday, March 9th
6.30 a.m. Holy Mass (in German)
8.00 a.m. Holy Mass (in German)
9.30 a.m. Holy Mass (in German)
10.30 a.m. Silent Adoration
11.00 General Adoration (in German)
12.00 Angelus followed by silent adoration
1:15 p.m. Devotional
2:00 p.m. Time for community adoration (in English)
3:00 p.m. Liturgy of the Hours with the Adoration Sisters, followed by the Mercy Rosary
4:00 p.m. Holy Mass (in Spanish)
5:00 p.m. Community Adoration (in Spanish or Portuguese)
6:00 p.m. Angelus, followed by the blessing with the Blessed Sacrament
At the Shrines around the world
Several Schoenstatt Shrines around the world join in this day of adoration and encounter with the Lord. It is a special opportunity to walk with Christ, preparing for Holy Week.
Everyone is invited to participate and set aside a few moments for adoration, cultivating the bond with Christ and God the Father in a special way during these special days of grace.
