Chai Brady
Pope Francis with Archbishop Eamon Martin The Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All-Ireland has urged people to watch Pope Francis’ global celebration of prayer, which RTÉ will broadcast tomorrow (Friday, March 27) at 5pm Irish time.
Commentary will be provided by Editor of The Irish Catholic Michael Kelly.
Archbishop Eamon Martin said: “In the midst of this horrendous Covid-19 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.”
Pope Francis will preside over the (Statio orbis) of prayer on the sagrato of St Peter’s Basilica, Rome, the platform at the top of the steps immediately in front of the façade of the church
The ceremony will consist of readings from the Scriptures, prayers of supplication, and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
It 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 Eamon added: “I gratefully acknowledge our national public service broadcaster, RTÉ, for facilitating the live broadcast of Pope Francis’ extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing at 5pm tomorrow on its News Now channel (6pm Rome time).”
“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. I encourage everyone to watch this special broadcast.,” he said.
Urbi et Orbi is very a significant blessing which normally is only given upon the election of a new Pontiff and by the Pope at Christmas and Easter.