Bishop Mark O’Connell will offer a Holy Hour for Peace on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Blessed Sacrament Church, 607 Central Ave., Albany, beginning at 7pm.
This is in response to a call from Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), inviting all bishops and priests in the United States to do the same as a moment of renewal and healing for the United States.
USCCB Release: https://www.usccb.org/news/2026/archbishop-coakley-calls-holy-hour-moment-renewal-our-hearts-and-our-nation
Some parishes across the 14-county Diocese have been scheduling their own Holy Hour for Peace. You can find details on a special page on the Diocesan website https://www.rcda.org/holy-hour-peace.
“There is a great deal of anxiety in the world today,” said Bishop Mark. “This is an opportunity to turn to our Lord in prayer, walking together as brothers and sisters in Christ, praying that His peace is alive in our hearts. If we stay focused on Him, we are better able to share His peace with those around us. I encourage all to take part in this healing opportunity.”
A livestream will be available on the Blessed Sacrament Facebook page https://facebook.com/events/s/holy-hour-for-peace-with-bisho/1571627250805483/.
Any media wishing to cover this in person, is asked to contact Communications Director Kathy Barrans at (518) 801-2771 or Kathryn.barrans@rcda.org
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