Pope Francis announced an Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy beginning with the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome on December 8, 2015 and concluding with its closing on November 20, 2016.
This is an extraordinary time for us, for in the words of Pope Francis: “At this time we are called to gaze even more attentively on ‘Mercy’ so that we may become a more effective sign of the Father’s action in our lives.”
There are a multitude of opportunities for us to participate in Corporal and Spiritual works of Mercy. Many parishes are inspired to show tangible signs of individual and group actions of mercy. The Adult Faith Formation and Service Commissions have taken on the challenge and propose entering into this Jubilee Year with our own expressions of mercy. Guided by the Spirit we can accomplish great things—even a million acts of mercy!!!
We have high hopes that this initiative will engage every single person—for there is no act too small to build a growing sense of compassion and kindness which will defeat the “culture of indifference” that Pope Francis describes today.
This weekend, December 12-13, we will begin our response to Pope Francis’ invitation and join him with the Church throughout the world in this Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy.
“Mercy is not just a pastoral attitude; it is the very substance of the Gospel message.” –Pope Francis
