Hundreds experience grace and renewal at 24 Hours for the Lord

04/01/2025

(ERIE) - Hundreds of people from across the Diocese of Erie gathered at St. Peter Cathedral on March 28 and 29, 2025, to participate in the Lenten initiative "24 Hours for the Lord." Introduced by Pope Francis, this global observance invites the faithful to experience God’s mercy through Eucharistic adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The event, which took place just before the Fourth Sunday of Lent, was marked by a spirit of grace, mercy and renewal. The faithful came together for 24 continuous hours of prayer, adoration and confession, beginning with an opening Mass celebrated by Bishop Persico. In his homily, Bishop Persico invited everyone to deepen their relationship with Christ throughout the weekend by spending time with Him in prayer and reflection. His words encouraged the faithful to embrace the call to repentance and spiritual healing.

Throughout the 24 hours, 22 priests from various parishes across the diocese offered the Sacrament of Reconciliation, allowing attendees to receive the healing grace of forgiveness. Bishop Persico himself heard confessions, offering a unique and personal encounter with God’s mercy.

The event also served as a significant moment during the Jubilee Year, as participants had the opportunity to make a pilgrimage to St. Peter Cathedral. By attending Mass, receiving Holy Communion and making a sacramental confession, they took essential steps toward obtaining a plenary indulgence.

Fr. Michael Ferrick celebrating the closing Mass

The 24 hours concluded with a Vigil Mass celebrated by Father Michael Ferrick. In his homily, Father Ferrick reflected on the Parable of the Prodigal Son, reminding the faithful of God's boundless mercy and the joy of reconciliation. His message was a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace.

From the opening Mass to the final Vigil, the cathedral remained filled with prayer and reflection. Various devotions, including the Stations of the Cross, the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, guided the faithful through a meaningful spiritual journey.

As the event came to a close, attendees left with hearts renewed, grateful for the opportunity to pause, reflect and experience the mercy of God in a profound way. The Diocese of Erie thanks all who participated, as well as the priests and volunteers who made the event possible, for making "24 Hours for the Lord" a truly impactful and blessed experience.