Liturgical and Pastoral Handbook

XI 24 Hours For the Lord

"Walk in newness of life" (Rom 6:4) is the theme chosen by Pope Francis for this year's 24 Hours For the Lord celebration. This pastoral resource is intended to offer some suggestions to enable parishes and Christian communities to prepare to implement this initiative. These are, of course, suggestions that can be adapted according to local needs and customs.

The purpose of the event is to put the sacrament of reconciliation back at the center of the pastoral life of the Church, and consequently, of our communities, parishes, and all ecclesial realities. This is the centre 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 will find a father who welcomes him, consoles him and also shows him the way to renewal.

H.E. Msgr. Rino Fisichella

Contents:

Part I. Confession

1.            Forgiveness Received - an opportunity to walk in a new life

2.            The Rite of the Sacrament of Reconciliation

3.            Testimonies of Conversion by Kevin Matthews

4.            Testimony of Forgiveness by Gemma Capra Calabresi

Part II. Vigil

1.            General Introduction

2.            Breakdown of the Vigil

3.            Lectio Divina on Romans 6:1-14

4.            Pope Francis’ Catechesis on Forgiveness