On Sunday February 23, 2020, the celebration of the 40 Hours devotion began at St. Francis de Sales Oratory in St. Louis, Missouri. Immediately following the 10am Solemn High Mass, the Most Blessed Sacrament was carried in procession and was exposed on the high altar until 6pm that evening for all to adore as we pray in reparation for the excesses of the Carnevale celebrations that take place during the time before the beginning of Lent. The Blessed Sacrament graced the altar again the following morning after the 8am Low Mass until the Monday evening Mass at 6:30pm. Finally, on Tuesday morning after the 8am Low Mass, the Blessed Sacrament was again exposed on the high altar and remained on the altar during the Solemn High Mass that evening. The glorious 40 Hours devotion concluded with a procession carrying the Blessed Sacrament around the church, the chanting of the Litany of the Saints, Benediction and reposition. What glory and honor our Lord deserves in reparation for the excesses in this world today! May our Lord bless us as we journey through this most holy season of Lent to make reparation for our sins and to grow in holy virtue.
