Year of Faith Holy Hour

On Sunday, June 2, 2013, Corpus Christi Sunday according to the Latin liturgical calendar, the Holy Father Pope Francis will lead a global Holy Hour with the bishops, clergy, and faithful of the Catholic family. Catholics throughout the Church will join together to adore the Lord in the Eucharist and will pray for the Holy Father's intentions.

The first papal intention is: “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.”

The second intention is: “For those around the world who still suffer slavery and who are victims of war, human trafficking, drug running and slave labor. 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.”

His Excellency Bishop Mar Eusebius will lead a Holy Hour on Sunday, June 2, 2013, at St. John Chrysostom Pro-Cathedral in Elmont, New York at 1 pm. Many of the parishes of the Exarchate will also have a Holy Hour on that day.