The Olomouc Archdiocese will open 120 sites during the Night of Churches

Olomouc - The Archdiocese of Olomouc is preparing to open 120 locations, including chapels and prayer rooms, in its archdiocese next Friday during the Night of Churches. This year's edition will be marked by measures related to the COVID-19 disease; however, a number of interesting accompanying programs will still be included. Emphasis will mainly be placed on providing space for reflection and prayer, reported ČTK spokesperson Jiří Gračka.

"Lingering epidemiological measures and ordinary interest in others encourage a more intimate experience, but that does not have to detract from the event, after all the church itself is the program, and inviting others to stay for a while in its silence is the best we can offer," said Olomouc Archbishop Jan Graubner regarding this year's edition.

Many organizers followed his call. In response to epidemiological measures, they have abandoned preparing a program and are focusing on making the church accessible primarily as a space for prayer and reflection, as well as a place where one can appreciate the work of architects, sculptors, carvers, or painters in the night atmosphere, Gračka noted.

For example, at the chapel at Lukov Castle near Zlín, organizers invite visitors to meditate by candlelight or to observe the night sky through a telescope. The church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary in Uherský Brod will display a Prayer Tree, from which everyone can take a prayer leaf home. Some churches will showcase their spiritual and cultural wealth with the help of guides; for instance, in the Olomouc Chapel of the Body of Christ, students from the local university will take on this role.

Exhibitions are widely utilized this year. "The Olomouc Cathedral of St. Wenceslaus will present a panel exhibition for the anniversary year of St. Pope John Paul II, and in the nearby Orthodox Church of St. Gorazd, the works of painter Viera Sokolinská will be displayed, complemented by her concert," said the spokesperson for the archdiocese. In Tvarožná Lhota, visitors will be able to explore an exhibition dedicated to Zambia, and the church in Brodek near Přerov will be adorned with a special floral decoration. Places that are usually inaccessible will also open up; for example, in the Archbishop's Palace in Olomouc, visitors will be able to view the bishop's chapel, where they can see a sculpture of the Bread of Christ and a video about the troubled fate of Archbishop Matocha.

The ceremonial opening of the Night of Churches in the Olomouc archdiocese will take place at 18:00 in the Olomouc prayer house of the Brotherhood of Baptist Unity, with the participation of Bishop Antonín Basler and representatives of other participating churches. A guide will also be introduced who will take interested parties to the places in Olomouc associated with the personal presence of three saints: St. John Sarkander, St. John Paul II, and St. Mother Teresa.