Wellington cathedral hosts 24 Hours for the Lord celebration

People came from across the city and beyond to be at the cathedral, which was open for 24 hours from Friday evening.

“24 Hours for the Lord” is celebrated on the eve of the fourth Sunday of the Lent. The event was introduced by Pope Francis in 2014.

This year, it took place in the Archdiocese of Wellington as part of Jubilee 2025 celebrations.

The 24 hours began with a special opening liturgy at 5.30pm on March 28. Archbishop Paul Martin SM led the liturgy, encouraging people to use the time to reflect and attend Reconciliation in the cathedral’s Blessed Sacrament Chapel.

Other groups led prayers and other forms of worship during the following hours. At one point, the Archdiocesan Samoan Chaplaincy sang in Samoan.

There were also many periods of silence for reflection during the 24 hours. People came for the time that they could; some stayed for a few minutes, others for several hours.

Many attendees told of the special atmosphere inside the cathedral, with the opportunity for silence and reflection after a busy week. Other talked about praying for healing in a world that is hurting, and for healing in their personal lives and the lives of friends and whānau.

The 24 hours concluded with a special Vigil Mass at 5:30pm on Saturday evening. Many of those at the Mass had already been at the cathedral for hours, while others returned after visiting earlier.

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Archdiocese of Wellington 24 Hours with the Lord

Archdiocese of Wellington video

24 Hours For The Lord: The Global Eucharistic Movement Inspired By Pope Francis (EWTN)