The Lay Organizations, Movements and Associations Services of the Archdiocese of Cebu has launched a 50-day Prayer Brigade for the success of the National Retreat for Priests in November.
Lay group Cebu chairperson Fe Barino cited the importance of prayer for the success of the gathering of the members of the clergy as they strengthen and deepen their commitment as shepherds to the faithful.
“The 50 days round the clock prayer is very important to the priests during their retreat like what happened to the Feast of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary,” Barino said over Radio Veritas.
The 50-day prayer brigade will start on Monday, Sept. 18 and will end on Nov. 6, a day before the three day retreat for priests on Nov. 7 to 9. A lay congress be held on Nov.11. It will be held at the IEC Convention Center in Cebu City.
Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown will preside over the opening mass on Nov. 7.
Barino, who also serves as the chairperson of the NRP working committee said, around 2,300 priests from 55 dioceses have registered for the retreat. She said they have opened 500 more slots for those who are interested to join.
The retreat will feature well-known international speaker and faith healer Sr. Briege McKenna and missionary priest Fr. Pablo Escriva de Romani.
Baring said the NRP is part of the celebration of the 500 Years of Christianity in the country but had to be postponed because of the pandemic.