The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has invited all of the Christian faithful to take part in two opportunities that will strengthen human solidarity as we implore God's deliverance from this hour of difficulty. On March 25th, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, the Holy Father has invited all Christians to pray the Our Father as we, in the words of the Holy Father, "prepare to celebrate the victory of the risen Christ." And on March 27th, the Holy Father will impart his Urbi et Orbi blessing to the city and the world. 

 
In communion with our Holy Father, I ask all parishes and religious houses to observe the extraordinary March 27th Urbi et Orbi blessing by the Holy Father, in this way, to the degree possible:

At 1:00 in the afternoon, 6:00 in the evening Rome time when the Holy Father will be praying in Saint Peter's Basilica, ring the bells of your church or chapel, or participate in a virtual ringing of bells through your social media platform. I invite all the faithful to recite an Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be at this time as they join the Holy Father via television or the internet on the Vatican YouTube channel. When the Holy Father imparts the blessing, those who intend to make a sacramental confession, receive Holy Communion, and offer a prayer for the Holy Father, as soon as that is possible again, will receive a Plenary Indulgence.

Please publicize these special opportunities for prayer to the best of your ability and know that I am always united with you in prayer as I bring you and the needs of your communities to the Lord at the altar. 

 

With a prayer for the Lord's blessing, and invoking the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Consolation, upon you and your communities, I am

  Sincerely yours in Christ,