Posted March 2, 2011

All the faithful in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are invited to pray together at a “penitential service” 7 p.m. Friday, March 11, at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.

The purpose of the prayer service is “for the forgiveness of all sins and for reconciliation with God and in the community,” Cardinal Justin Rigali wrote in his letter for Lent.

He will be principal celebrant of the service that will include a reading from Scripture, homily and intercessory prayers.

“During this Lent we are especially conscious of the grave sins of sexual abuse committed against minors, in particular by members of the clergy,” the Cardinal wrote.

The prayers of petition during the service will “ask for the healing of all victims, that through the power of God’s grace sexual abuse will be effectively prevented, and that young people will always be respected and protected and be able to live the full measure of their human dignity as children of God without being abused by anyone,” he wrote.

The service will conclude with the communal stations of the cross, a devotion practiced especially during Fridays of Lent. March 11 is the first Friday of Lent.

– Matthew Gambino