Crowds flock to spend 24 hours with the Lord

By Matthew Biddle

HUNDREDS of Catholics in the Archdiocese took the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Penance during the ‘24 Hours for the Lord’ held last month.

Several parishes facilitated an extended period of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on March 4 and 5, during which time priests were available to hear confessions.

“There were many, many confessions… which is great because that is what it’s all about, that is where we meet the kind and merciful father,” Archbishop Christopher Prowse, who himself heard confessions at St Christopher’s Cathedral, said.

Mary Help of Christians Parish in Pearce took the initiative a step further by creating an opportunity for staff and students from the parish school, Sacred Heart Primary, to spend time in Adoration.

Archbishop Christopher Prowse leads Benediction at the conclusion of the ‘24 Hours for the Lord’ at St Christopher’s Cathedral on March 5. Several parishes across the Archdiocese took part in the initiative. PHOTO: MATTHEW BIDDLE

Archbishop Christopher Prowse leads Benediction at the conclusion of the ‘24 Hours for the Lord’ at St Christopher’s Cathedral on March 5. Several parishes across the Archdiocese took part in the initiative. PHOTO: MATTHEW BIDDLE

“This was certainly a highlight as most students and some staff had never experienced solemn Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament before, and this was a chance for them to share in this experience and for us to explain its meaning and significance,” parish priest Fr Richard Thompson said.

“Following the school we had Adoration all night which was well supported by parishioners. We fed them during the night with soup and sourdough.

“Our parish may make this a regular Lenten experience.”

Queanbeyan parish’s 24 hours of Adoration included three two-hour periods for Reconciliation, which parish priest Fr Troy Bobbin said was “very well attended”.

“We had 39 registered people, keeping watch through the night, but many others turned up throughout the evening to say a few prayers,” he added.

Other parishes to take part in the 24 Hours for the Lord included Charnwood, Evatt, South Tuggeranong, Gungahlin, Narrabundah and Young.

The 24 Hours for the Lord is a personal initiative of Pope Francis that first took place in 2014.