Prayer is a powerful way to support priests in their ministry and the Bishop’s Commission on Women in the Church and in Society is encouraging that with a Holy Hour on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at the Spalding Renewal Center in Peoria.

It will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel and include exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, a rosary for all priests and Benediction. The Holy Hour was planned to take place on the Feast of St. John Vianney, patron saint of priests, and one of his relics will be available for veneration.

Participants will also hear more about praying for priests and the concept of “spiritual motherhood” from Connie Ley, who leads a regular Holy Hour at Historic St. Patrick Church in Bloomington.

A reception with light refreshments will follow.

Deena Pavinato, chair of the Bishop’s Commission on Women, said everyone is welcome to attend.

“Women typically respond and it is called ‘spiritual motherhood,’ but it is open to anyone,” she explained. “Praying for priests is something that can be done by Catholics in any state of life.”

In keeping with their mission, members of the Bishop’s Commission on Women are offering the Holy Hour as a way for people to grow in holiness, as well as raise awareness of the need to pray for priests, seminarians and deacons, Pavinato said.

She added that a flyer is being prepared and will be distributed soon to parishes around central Illinois.

No registration is needed for the Holy Hour. Those who wish to attend may enter through the Spalding Pastoral Center, 419 N.E. Madison Ave.
For more information, contact Pavinato at dpavinato@att.net.