The Cathedral of St. Peter will again open its doors for 24 hours to those seeking the Lord’s mercy in the sacrament of Reconciliation.
Diocesan priests will be available for Confessions at the Cathedral from 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24 until 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25.
“To begin Lent, we want to offer an extended opportunity for people to meet our Lord and receive His mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation,” said Bishop Michael McGovern.
The faithful are invited to come partake in this time of prayer and reflection and receive the sacrament of reconciliation from a diocesan priest.
The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed throughout the 24 Hours of Mercy, said Fr. Godfrey Mullen, OSB, rector of The Cathedral of St. Peter.
More than a dozen area priests will alternate hearing confessions—two at a time—during the 24 hours.
Pope Francis has annually invited the faithful around the world to live the occasion of “24 Hours for the Lord” as an opportunity “to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation in the context of Eucharistic adoration.”
Last year was the first time 24 Hours of Mercy was held in the Diocese of Belleville. “Last year, you could feel the Lord’s mercy being poured out as we began Lent,” said Msgr. John Myler. “Hundreds and hundreds of people came to Confession and more than a dozen priests were available and busy for the entire 24 hours. In the afternoon, in the evening, in the middle of the night and then early in the morning – God’s people young and old came to the Cathedral. And it was a special opportunity for many who had not been to Confession for a long time.”
Offering 24 consecutive hours of confessions has many practical benefits, as well, including:
• helping to accommodate people’s working schedules;
• to allow couples with little children the chance for one parent to come to Confession while the other stays at home — and then vice versa;
• to spend a little more time preparing, and then a little more in thanksgiving;
• to welcome those who have been away from Confession for a long time.
“Help for Confession” materials will be available to all.
“Help for Confession” materials will be available to all
