Extraordinary Urbi et Orbi prayer and blessing by Pope Francis
Tomorrow (Friday), at 5pm Irish and UK time, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, will preside over an extraordinary global celebration (Statio orbis) of prayer.
It will take place on the sagrato of Saint Peter's Basilica, Rome.
The ceremony, to be broadcast live by RTÉ News Live, will consist of readings from the Scriptures, prayers of supplication, and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and will conclude with Pope Francis giving his Urbi et Orbi (to the City [of Rome] and to the world) blessing.
During this prayer ceremony the Pope will grant to participants all over the world a plenary indulgence in the context of the coronavirus.
Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin said: "In the midst of this horrendous COVID19 pandemic, I thank the Holy Father for his compassion, hope and solidarity by leading us in prayer with an extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing on Friday.
"This blessing will be a very significant celebration of the mercy of God towards humanity, especially in these current and trying circumstances.
Pope Francis is encouraging us all to pray incessantly, and the plenary indulgence will be available to those sick with the Coronavirus, their families, healthcare workers and for all working at the front line exposing themselves to the risk of contagion by following the example of the Good Samaritan."
Archbishop Eamon continued: "I gratefully acknowledge our national public service broadcaster, RTÉ, for facilitating the live broadcast of Pope Francis' extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing at 5 p.m. tomorrow on RTÉ News Now channel.
"Urbi et Orbi is very a significant blessing which normally is only given by Pope Francis on Christmas and Easter.
"The wide dissemination of his important message and blessing will be welcomed by the many, many people throughout Ireland as an opportunity to avail ourselves of Divine Grace."
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