US Bishops announce national prayer for Good Friday

By Vatican News

Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, the President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has invited the faithful to join him in a moment of prayer on Good Friday (April 10) to pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. "Praying together as a nation, the archbishop asks that we seek healing for all who are unwell, wisdom for those whose work is halting the spread of coronavirus, and strength for all God’s children", according to a media advisory from the USCCB.

"Good Friday is a day when Christians around the world solemnly commemorate the day when Jesus suffered and died on the cross", the statement notes. "Catholics traditionally mark the day with fasting, penance, and reflection on Jesus’ loving sacrifice. This opportunity to pray together during the coronavirus pandemic offers a special moment of unity for the faithful during a time when communities throughout the United States and worldwide are physically unable to congregate for Holy Week and Easter because of COVID-19".

Plenary indulgence granted

The USCCB has also announced that, with the special permission of the Apostolic Penitentiary of the Holy See, a plenary indulgence is available "for all those who join Archbishop Gomez in praying the Litany of the Sacred Heart on Good Friday".

A livestream of the Litany of the Sacred Heart with Archbishop Gomez will be available on the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ website: www.lacatholics.org . . . and on the USCCB Facebook page: www.facebook.com/usccb.

For more information on how to join Archbishop Gomez for the moment of prayer on Friday, please visit the USCCB website.