Our 40 Hours Devotion will begin at 1:00PM on Sunday, February 15 and end just before the 8:00AM Mass on Tuesday, February 17. This is a wonderful opportunity to spend time with our Lord solemnly exposed in the Blessed Sacrament and is a great way to prepare for Lent which begins on February 18. We will need 2 adorers for each 1-hour time slot.
You may call the parish office at 616-459-8362 or sign up here.
Why 40 Hours?
40 Hours Devotion comes from the 40 hours that Christ’s body traditionally rested in the tomb. 40 is a significant number in the Bible, often tied to trials and/or suffering: the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years, and Christ was tempted in the desert for 40 days prior to the start of his ministry.
History of 40 Hours Devotion
The practice of 40 Hours Devotion dates to as early as 1527, introduced by St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria in Milan and Vicenza, and spread by St. Ignatius and the Jesuits. Read more here.
This year, adoration will take place in both the Bride’s Room and the church. The Sacrament will be upstairs except during organ work–please use Park St. doors to enter after hours.
To help with clarity, signs will be posted on the doors stating “Adoration in the Church” or “Adoration downstairs in the brides room.”
Thank you for your flexibility.
As usual, during the evening/overnight hours, the interior door will be locked for security purposes. If you’re coming to adore during these times (after 8PM), simply knock on the interior door, so one of the other adorers can let you in.
PLEASE NOTE: For those who adore in the evening/overnight, please leave at the end of your hour through the side (Park street) doors. This will minimize safety concerns by keeping the front and all other doors secure throughout the night. Thanks for your help!
Thank you again for your commitment to this devotion! Please email parishoffice@shgr.org with any questions or concerns.
