Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, who also serves as president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, invited the faithful to join him in a moment of prayer at noon on Good Friday, April 10, to pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart. 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.
The event will be livestreamed at USCCB and Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The text of the Litany of the Sacred Heart can be found here in both English and Spanish.
Good Friday is a day when Christians around the world solemnly commemorate the day when Jesus suffered and died on the cross. 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, the archbishop said.
Additionally, with special permission received from the Apostolic Penitentiary of the Holy See, a plenary indulgence is available for those who join Archbishop Gomez in praying the Litany of the Sacred Heart on Good Friday.