Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

May the peace of the Lord Jesus always be with us.

As every year, we dedicate our October Prayer Marathon to the most important mission of our lives: holiness.

Amid the daily rush, our commitments, work or studies, responsibilities, conflicts and disappointments, joys and achievements, how many of us place holiness first? Is it ever considered one of the most important goals of our existence? Do we give it the priority it deserves? Is it a goal reserved only for those who undertake a religious journey, or is it a calling addressed to everyone?

Is holiness impossible to achieve? Are saints merely imaginary figures, or were they, during their earthly lives, people just like us, with their own flaws, uncertainties and weaknesses? Were they perhaps superheroes endowed with extraordinary powers?

If we pause for a moment to reflect and put our priorities into perspective, we can make these words of our Lord our own:

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life?” (Matthew 16:26).

What is the point of gaining everything that is tangible if, in doing so, we risk losing the infinite and the eternal?

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16).

Armed with the Word of God and clothed in faith, let us pause for a moment and turn our gaze towards our lives and towards the One who created us. We are children of God, and for this very reason, our earthly pilgrimage must lead us back to Him.

“You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” (Leviticus 19:2).

159th International Prayer Marathon

Be Holy, for I Am Holy

29, 30 and 31 October 2026

www.72hoursforjesus.org

Let us celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints and, through the power of prayer, reject every influence of the devil and all the forces of evil that seek to hinder our union with God the Father for all eternity.