Opening the Door of Mercy

When Proclaiming the Year of Mercy Pope Francis reminded us that: “Mercy will always be greater than any sin and no one can place limits on the love of God who is ever ready to forgive”.  Misericordiae Vultus 3.
 
 To mark the beginning of the Year of Mercy in St. Chad’s Deanery, a Penitential Service was held in St. Francis’ Church on Monday 14th December 2015.  Nearly two hundred people attended this service where the Examination of Conscience was based on the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy.  Mercy calls us to be Compassionate, to Care for others, to Comfort the Sorrowful, the Welcome the Stranger, to Shelter the Homeless and to Forgive those who hurt us now or in the past.

​​There were eleven priests present and all of us were invited to ask for forgiveness and to say one thing about our lives that we were willing to change to make us more as Jesus wants us to be.

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​During this Year of Mercy there will be pilgrimages at St. Mary’s Convent.
The Pilgrimage will consist of the following:

• Walking through the DOOR OF MERCY;
• Sitting on Blessed Dominic Barberi’s chair (THE CHAIR OF MERCY, from which many experienced reconciliation and mercy followed by absolution).
• Stepping into the HEART OF MERCY where we meet Jesus, the merciful one who carries the lost on his shoulders and brings about change in our lives.
• Praying before the picture of OUR LADY OF MERCY and experiencing her motherly care.

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Following the Service the Congregation came across the road in Procession to St. Mary’s Convent where the Parish Priest Father Gerry Kelly blessed and opened the Door of Mercy.  The Congregation crossing the road singing hymns and praying reminded those present of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea..
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TO OBTAIN THE PLENARY INDULGENCE IT IS REQUIRED TO WALK  THROUGH TH HOLY DOOR

The Holy Father tells us what else we must do. He says: “It is important that this moment be linked to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and to the celebration of the Holy Eucharist with a reflection on mercy. It will be necessary to accompany these celebrations with the profession of faith and with prayer for me and for the intentions that I bear in my heart for the good of the Church.”