Every month, around 3,000 people take part in a Holy Hour that completely fills the parish of Saint Dominic's in Madrid.
Faithful sit on the floor, while many others follow the prayer from home, turning this small moment into one of the central pillars of their parish life.
FATHER JOSÉ MARÍA SÁNCHEZ DE LAMADRID
Parish Priest, Church of Santo Domingo, Algete
It’s true that many of the people we have here attend in person—around 800 to 900—and many others participate online, and therefore they come from outside Madrid, from other parts of Spain and other parts of the world, every month. But it’s also true that there is a lot of turnover each month. There are many people—let’s say that in the monthly Mercy Prayer here, a very high percentage are coming for the first time, or for the second time, but perhaps their previous visit was several months or even a year ago.
This overflow issue led to the idea of organizing a larger-scale gathering. Inspired by international experiences and the number of faithful the parish receives month-by-month, a larger venue was sought in which to host the Holy Hour.
FATHER JOSÉ MARÍA SÁNCHEZ DE LAMADRID
Parish Priest, Church of Santo Domingo, Algete
In the summer of 2024, seeing some news and videos from the Eucharistic Congress in the United States, in Indianapolis, we said, well, why not put together something similar, knowing that we have the Mercy Prayer and that it fills up every month? There are people sitting on the floor, thousands of people online…
That was when Llamados was born, an initiative offering the faithful a larger space in which to participate in Mercy Prayers. It took place in the center of the Spanish capital and was attended by 6,000 people.
Fr. José María explains that is was a very special moment. The Mercy Prayers in his parish gathered more than 6,000 people, which he admits was surprising – far more attendants than he had expected.
FATHER JOSÉ MARÍA SÁNCHEZ DE LAMADRID
Parish Priest, Church of Santo Domingo, Algete
The Lord is very good. He does not let himself be outdone in generosity, and he poured himself out, and the people—well, they left very full, very full. That’s where I think the Lord truly surprised us.
This is not the first time that a Catholic event has brought thousands of people together. The massive attendance and interest in prayer gatherings seem to reflect a growing trend of re-connection with faith.
FATHER JOSÉ MARÍA SÁNCHEZ DE LAMADRID
Parish Priest, Church of Santo Domingo, Algete
I think what there is, is less complexity and more authenticity.
People have a need for meaning, for purpose in their lives, and when things don’t fill them, in the end people return to God.
What began as a monthly Holy Hour in a local parish ended up a reflection of how thousands of people seek meaning, purpose, and connection in community in their everyday lives.
BAM
