(ANS – Vatican City) – Yesterday, 28 May, in the Press Office of the Holy See, the official announcement was made of one of the two great events planned for the Year of Faith. The event in question is Solemn Adoration of the Eucharist to be held at the same time in all the dioceses of the world. This will be the first time in history that this has happened.

The spiritual centre of the event will be St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. It will open at 17:00 (GMT+2) when Pope Francis begins an Hour of Eucharistic Adoration. Rome will be the fulcrum of a worldwide network with thousands of knots: from Cook Island to Iceland, from the Amazon Forest to the island of Taiwan ... these are just some of the locations mentioned in yesterday’s press conference.

To draw attention to the profound sense of unity that characterizes this event, which is taking place for the first time in the Church’s history, the expression “One Lord, One Faith” has been chosen as its motto.

“We have had massive enrolment for this initiative. It has gone far beyond Cathedrals and has involved whole Episcopal Conferences, parishes, religious congregations, especially enclosed monasteries, and associations. It is hard to give an exact number but certainly there are thousands and thousands who have enrolled. It testifies to the strong devotion there is in the Church at the present time to the Eucharist, which is the source and summit of the entire life of the Church” said Bishop Rino Fisichella, President of the Pontifical Council for the New Evangelization.

Pope Francis has published the intentions which he wants to be kept in mind during this hour of prayer:

1. “For the Church spread throughout the world and united today in the adoration of the Most Holy Eucharist as a sign of unity. May the Lord make her ever more obedient to hearing his Word in order to stand before the world ‘ever more beautiful, without stain or blemish, but holy and blameless.’ That through her faithful announcement, the Word that saves may still resonate as the bearer of mercy and may increase love to give full meaning to pain and suffering, giving back joy and serenity.”
2. “For those around the world who still suffer slavery and who are victims of war, human trafficking, drug running, and slave labour. For the children and women who are suffering from every type of violence. May their silent scream for help be heard by a vigilant Church so that, gazing upon the crucified Christ, she may not forget the many brothers and sisters who are left at the mercy of violence. Also, for all those who find themselves in economically precarious situations, above all for the unemployed, the elderly, migrants, the homeless, prisoners, and those who experience marginalization. That the Church’s prayer and its active nearness give them comfort and assistance in hope and strength and courage in defending human dignity.”

Published  29/05/2013