The prayer marathon, which will involve 30 shrines around the world, is aimed at encouraging the faithful, families and communities to recite the Rosary.
Vatican City (AsiaNews) – The Rosary promoted by Pope Francis will begin at 12.30 pm on 1st May “to invoke the end of the pandemic”.
The pontiff himself will start the prayer marathon from the Gregorian chapel in the Vatican basilica, along with some 30 shrines around the world.
Undertaken by the Pontifical Council for the New Evangelisation, the initiative is centred on the theme “The whole Church was fervently praying to God” and is addressed to every shrine, that they may encourage the faithful, families and communities to recite the Rosary.
Holy See media will broadcast the prayer live at 6 pm every day, with a final one by Francis on 31 May.
Pope Francis publicly prayed many times for an end of the pandemic. Last year’s prayer was particularly significant. It took place on 27 March 2020 (pictured); Francis had announced it during the Angelus on 22 March 2020.
In his address the pontiff said: “I will preside over a moment of prayer on the Sagrata (parvis) of Saint Peter’s Basilica, before the empty square. I invite everyone to participate spiritually through the means of communication.
“We will listen to the Word of God, we will lift up our supplication, we will adore the Blessed Sacrament, with which at the end, I will give the Urbi et Orbi blessing, to which will be connected the possibility of receiving the plenary indulgence.
“To the pandemic caused by the virus, we want to respond with the universality of prayer, of compassion, of tenderness.”