St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Osoyoos is joining other Roman Catholic churches around the world in an initiative called “24 Hours for the Lord.”

The initiative put forward by Pope Francis and promoted by the Vatican is calling on churches to stay open for 24 hours to underline the need for prayer and contemplation of the Eucharist.

In Osoyoos, the event starts at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, March 13 and runs until 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 14.

Wallace Murphy, who is organizing the event for St. Anne’s Parish, said he has done this before when the Knights of Columbus ran similar events in the past.

“At St. Anne’s Parish we’re hoping to have the rosary several times during the 24-hour period,” said Murphy.

Also included will be the Blessed Sacrament and there will be adoration over the 24-hour period.

“During that time the doors will be open and during the night there will be pamphlets out and information out for helping people to have a few moments with the Lord,” said Murphy. “That’s what we’re intending to do.”

Stations of the Cross will be done at the church starting at 7 p.m. on the Friday evening, Murphy said.

Attendance at similar events in the past have attracted between 125 and 150 people over the 24-hour period, Murphy said, adding all local residents are welcome.

Sometimes ministers from other denominations have shown up, not to play an active part, but to come in for a few moments and be respectful, Murphy said.

“Everybody is invited,” he said. “We have had participation by some other members of the community and not just Catholics.”

Murphy said he personally finds the solitude restful and rewarding. Other activities such as the rosaries and Stations of the Cross lend themselves more to group participation.

He hopes to have the rosary done in other languages of the community besides English including Portuguese, French and Italian.

Internationally, the initiative is organized by the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, which has invited dioceses, parishes and communities around the world to adapt the initiative to their local situations and needs.

RICHARD McGUIRE

Osoyoos Times