Editor's note

24 HOURS FOR THE LORD

Diocese of Orange takes part in global event during Lent

By Kimberly Porrazzo     2/26/2018

On Feb. 6 the Vatican Press Office released a statement from Pope Francis regarding the global Lenten initiative “24 Hours for the Lord.” 

In his statement the pontiff said, “Lent summons us, and enables us, to come back to the Lord wholeheartedly and in every aspect of our life.” 

The Diocese of Orange will again respond to the Pope’s call with its own “24 Hours for the Lord” event. The day will include prayer, reconciliation services and Eucharistic Adoration for a full 24 hours, beginning Friday, March 9. The schedule is as follows: 

 

Friday, March 9 

3:00 p.m. Mass of the day that begins the period of Adoration in the Arboretum 

3:30 p.m. Confessions begin in the Large and Small Galleries 

5:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross in Vietnamese in the Arboretum 

6:15 p.m. Stations of the Cross in English in the Arboretum 

7:00 p.m. Mass in Spanish in the Arboretum 

7:45 p.m. Stations of the Cross in Spanish in the Arboretum 

9:00 p.m. The Blessed Sacrament moves from the Large Gallery to the Arboretum 

9:00 p.m. Young Adult Adoration event in the Arboretum 

 

Saturday, March 10 

2:00 a.m. Confessions conclude; Adoration continues in the Arboretum 

6:00 a.m. Confessions resume in the Arboretum 

8:00 a.m. Parish Mass in the Large Gallery

10:30 a.m. Reconciliation Service for families in the Arboretum 

2:30 p.m. Benediction and conclusion in the Arboretum 

 

 

The Pope’s message to the world also included a warning about false prophets, fending off a cold heart, and guidance on how to take advantage of the season of Lent to come closer to God. 

Below is an excerpt from Pope Francis’ statement: 

 

“Above all, I urge the members of the Church to take up the Lenten journey with enthusiasm, sustained by almsgiving, fasting and prayer. If, at times, the flame of charity seems to die in our own hearts, know that this is never the case in the heart of God! He constantly gives us a chance to begin loving anew. 

One such moment of grace will be, again this year, the “24 Hours for the Lord” initiative, which invites the entire Church community to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation in the context of Eucharistic adoration. In 2018, inspired by the words of Psalm 130:4, “With you is forgiveness,” this will take place from Friday, 9 March to Saturday, 10 March. In each diocese, at least one church will remain open for twenty-four consecutive hours, offering an opportunity for both Eucharistic adoration and sacramental confession. 

During the Easter Vigil, we will celebrate once more the moving rite of the lighting of the Easter candle. Drawn from the “new fire,” this light will slowly overcome the darkness and illuminate the liturgical assembly. “May the light of Christ rising in glory dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds,” and enable all of us to relive the experience of the disciples on the way to Emmaus. By listening to God’s word and drawing nourishment from the table of the Eucharist, may our hearts be ever more ardent in faith, hope and love.” 

 

For details on the Diocese of Orange “24 Hours for the Lord” event: rcbo.org/24-hours-for-the-lord