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CHARLOTTE — Catholics in the Diocese of Charlotte are encouraged to follow the Lenten call to increased prayer by participating in the 40 Hours Devotion at St. Patrick Cathedral March 15-17.

Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament will begin at 9 p.m. Thursday and continue through Saturday at 5 p.m., the feast of St. Patrick.

The 40 Hours Devotion is a special 40-hour period of continuous prayer, recalling the significance of the number 40 itself in the Bible, as being a sacred period of time.

Anita Veyera, coordinator of the devotion at the cathedral, explains the importance of this event.

"For the parish family of the Cathedral of St. Patrick, this is a way to unite us in prayer, sacrifice, humility and love – not only for our God, but also for each other. Functioning as a family takes work. And this is a good way to ensure unity and charity within our family."

Traditionally, three special dimensions surround the 40 Hours Devotion: the protection from evil and temptation; reparation for our own sins and for the souls in purgatory; and deliverance from political, material or spiritual calamities.

"What we hope to accomplish in this devotion is, as I said, an increase in unity and charity – but also an awareness ... Jesus is not a far-away concept or a cold statue in a church. He is real – Flesh and Blood – and He cares about us more than we could ever imagine. If more people draw closer to Him through this devotion, then we will have achieved our goal," Veyera said.

For details or to sign up, go to www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C44AFAD2CA20-40hours or contact the parish at 704-334-2283.

— SueAnn Howell, staff writer