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April 25, 2025
24 Hours of Mercy Underway
REGIONAL
Story and photos by Kathleen Harrington
SPRINGFIELD – As the daily Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Michael drew to a close, 24 hours of Mercy got underway. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will continue with adorers taking turns throughout the day and night. Also taking shifts over the 24 hours of Mercy are priests from across the Diocese of Springfield.
“The 24 hours of Mercy was something that I started at the Newman Center during the Jubilee Year of Mercy,” explained Father Gary Dailey, rector of the Cathedral. “People were coming from all over for confession at all hours of the day and night.” The success prompted Fr. Dailey to schedule 24 hours of Mercy in Springfield.
This Sunday marks the 25th anniversary of the feast of Divine Mercy as established by Saint Pope John Paul II. Additionally, Pope Francis declared 2025 to be a Jubilee Year and encouraged the faithful “Pilgrims of Hope” to visit holy sites, The Cathedral of Saint Michael is one such site in the Diocese of Springfield.
Parishioners of the cathedral signed up for specific hours of adoration. Additionally, word spread to parishes by way of bulletin announcements and even an invitation at the end of the Chalice of Salvation Easter Mass. “Anyone can come at any time,” Father Dailey said. “But we wanted to make sure that at least one person will be in the cathedral every hour to adore our Lord.”
Scheduling priests to hear confessions throughout the 24 hours took about two days said Father Dailey. About a dozen priests are lined up to hear confessions. “Some priests are taking three hours, some two hours, some one hour a couple of times. I’m grateful to my brother priests for coming to hear confessions,” he said.
There will be Springfield police officers and patrol cars on the premises through the night as well as young men walking around the Cathedral as a security measure.
All are welcome to come and spend time in Eucharistic Adoration and to have their confession heard. The Cathedral of Saint Michael is located at 254 State St. in Springfield. Parking is available behind the cathedral where the doors will be open. The 24 hours of Divine Mercy ends on Saturday afternoon at 1pm.