Thomas More Society Co-Sponsors 24/7 Prayer Vigil, Sunrise Service and Giant Jesus/Cross Display

Contact: Tom Ciesielka, 312-422-1333, tc@tcpr.net

CHICAGO, March 24, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- Thursday evening, March 24, 2016, at 7 p.m. (Central), a giant 19-foot high purple-draped cross will be erected in Chicago's Daley Plaza as the initial event of an Easter season observance that includes a nine day prayer vigil, an Easter morning sunrise service and the display of an oversized image of the resurrected Jesus Christ (known as the Divine Mercy).

The "Prayer in the Public Square" vigil starts at 12:01 am on Good Friday, March 25 begins. Commencing on this day during which Christians worldwide mark the suffering and death of Jesus, the event will run around the clock through Sunday, April 3.

For the tenth year, the Thomas More Society, a Chicago-based national public interest law firm, has joined with private citizens to co-sponsor the "Jesus in Daley Plaza" display, consisting of the huge cross and the 10-foot tall image of the Divine Mercy.

Easter Sunday, March 27, an interdenominational music and prayer service will commence at 6:30 a.m. (Central) on the plaza, at 50 West Washington, between Clark and Dearborn, in Chicago's downtown loop. During this celebration of Christ's resurrection, the drapery on the cross will be changed to white, traditionally symbolizing renewed life.

WHAT & WHEN:

• Thursday, March 24, 2016, 7 p.m. (Central)
  The 10th annual "Jesus in Daley Plaza" begins with the raising of a giant 19-foot high cross draped in purple linen and a 10-foot tall image of the resurrected Jesus Christ, titled the "Divine Mercy."
   
• Friday, March 25, 2016, 12 a.m. (Central) through Sunday, April 3, 2016
  A 24/7 prayer vigil "Prayer in the Public Square" is in progress, coordinated by DivineMercy33.org and The Institute of Christopher Leaders.
   
• Sunday, March 27, 2016, 6:30 a.m. (Central)
  An Interdenominational Easter Sunday Sunrise service coincides with the changing of the drapery on the cross to traditional white, symbolizing renewed life.

WHERE:

• All events occur at Chicago's downtown Daley Plaza, 50 West Washington, between Clark and Dearborn. MAP: bit.ly/108z677

WHO:

• All are welcome to observe and participate in these events, led by Christian pastors and representatives of various denominations.
   
• This celebration is co-sponsored by the Thomas More Society, a national not-for-profit law firm committed privately-funded expressions of faith in traditional public forums.
   
• The large Easter cross and Divine Mercy displays were designed and built by the Karl and Nancy Fritz family.

"The Easter cross and the image of the risen Jesus Christ represent a constitutionally protected expression of faith - the observance of the resurrection - by private citizens in a public forum," explained Tom Brejcha, president and chief counsel of the Thomas More Society. "These Easter displays are privately funded and sponsored, bereft of any government aid or endorsement, and therefore are clothed and armored with the full protection of the First Amendment of our U.S. Constitution."

The Thomas More Society regularly assists groups and individuals across the country, defending their First Amendment right to express religious beliefs freely and openly in traditional public forums. They are called upon to serve in this capacity year round, but especially during the Easter and Christmas holidays.

Photographs of the event from previous years are available upon request.

About the Thomas More Society
Thomas More Society is a national not-for-profit law firm dedicated to restoring respect in law for life, family, and religious liberty. Headquartered in Chicago, the Society fosters support for these causes by providing high quality pro bono legal services from local trial courts all the way up to the United States Supreme Court. Visit www.thomasmoresociety.org.