In response to the dynamic and ever-evolving health crisis caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Most Reverend José H. Gomez, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Archbishop of Los Angeles, has invited Catholics across the nation to participate in a moment of prayer on Good Friday that will be streamed live via https://www.facebook.com/usccb.

Locally, Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez is strongly encouraging the faithful throughout the five-county Archdiocese of Philadelphia to join Archbishop Gomez to join in this prayerful initiative for the intentions of the sick, suffering, and their caregivers as well as government and health officials who are working tirelessly to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a united human family, Catholics will pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and seek our Savior’s healing and protection.

In his Message for Holy Week, Archbishop Gomez said, “The Holy Father has granted a special plenary indulgence to those who pray for an end to this pandemic. To receive this indulgence, you need to pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart on Good Friday, be truly sorry for your sins and desire to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation as soon as it is possible, and you need to pray for the intentions of the Pope.”

###

Editor’s Note: For comprehensive information about the pastoral and temporal response of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit https://archphila.org/covid19/.

Contact: Kenneth A. Gavin

Chief Communications Officer

215-587-3747 (office)