VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis said he will give an extraordinary blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world) at 6 p.m. Rome time March 27 (12 noon CST).

The formal blessing — usually given only immediately after a new pope’s election and on Christmas and Easter — carries with it a plenary indulgence for all who follow by television, internet or radio, are sorry for their sins, recite a few prescribed prayers, and promise to go to Confession and to receive the Eucharist as soon as possible.

The prayer and blessing will be broadcast live on the Vatican News website at https://www.vaticannews.va/en.html

Tune in to Relevant Radio or view live on the Relevant Radio app or https://relevantradio.com/
Watch the live stream on http://catholictv.org or on Facebook: @CatholicTV

The blessing will be broadcast on EWTN at noon, then rebroadcast at 7 p.m. Friday and 4 a.m. Saturday.

The conditions for receiving a plenary indulgence are (Cf. The Gift of the Indulgence, by the Apostolic Penitentiary):

• having the interior disposition of complete detachment from sin, even venial sin;
• having sacramentally confessed sins;
• receiving the Holy Eucharist (it is certainly better to receive it while participating in Holy Mass, but for the indulgence only Holy Communion is required);
• prayer for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff.

*During these times of lockdown and quarantine, the Vatican has determined that the 2nd and 3rd of those conditions can be fulfilled when it becomes again possible.

St. Mary of Pine Bluff Adoration & Confession

ADORATION

On this same day, Friday, March 27, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place immediately following the 7:30am CST Mass, which is also live-streamed. Exposition will continue (live-streamed) until 7:00pm CST. Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament will begin at 6:45pm CST.

Limit of 10 people in the church, and please spread apart.

You can find the link to live-streaming at St. Mary of Pine Bluff’s Facebook page HERE.

CONFESSION

Throughout Adoration, Fr. Heilman will be available for Confession across the lawn at his rectory confessional. It is in the front foyer. Come to the front door, ring the intercom button, and Fr. Heilman will call you in.