Pope Francis has declared an Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy that opened on December 8, 2015, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception to honor Our Blessed Mother, the Mother of Mercy.  This Year is called “extraordinary” because it is a Jubilee that follows just 15 years after the Jubilee Year 2000 instead of the traditional 50 years.  It is “out of the ordinary”, however the timing of this Year of Mercy could not be more perfect, offering a Year of opportunities for grace to grow in Mercy, to receive Mercy and to be merciful as our Heavenly Father is merciful.  We are asked to gaze on the face of Jesus Christ, for, “whoever sees Jesus sees the Father.  Jesus of Nazareth, by His words, his actions, and his entire person reveals the Mercy of God…With our eyes fixed on Jesus and his merciful gaze, we experience the love of the Most Holy Trinity.”  (MV, 8)

Pope Francis explains in his Bull of Indiction for the Jubilee Year the gift of Holy Doors, “The mother church of the faithful in any particular area – or, alternatively, at the co-cathedral or another church of special significance, a Door of Mercy will be opened for the duration of the Holy Year. At the discretion of the local ordinary, a similar door may be opened at any  shrine frequented by large groups of pilgrims, since visits to these holy sites are so often grace-filled moments, as people discover a path to conversion. Every Particular Church, therefore, will be directly involved in living out this Holy Year as an extraordinary moment of grace and spiritual renewal. Thus the Jubilee will be celebrated both in Rome and in the Particular Churches as a visible sign of the Church’s universal communion.” (MV, 3)

Make a Pilgrimage to a Holy Door this Year and pray for grace and conversion. 

Your Heart Will Be Free to Love, Hope and Pray for all the needs for Mercy.

Come Through the Holy Door at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral right here in Phoenix !

Also, Come Through the Holy Door of the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, Arizona

 

 

Sedona is an amazing cite to make a pilgrimage in the Diocese of Phoenix anytime…

During this Jubilee Year of Mercy, let us make a pilgrimage and pray to:

• Reflect on the Face of Jesus;
• Reflect upon our own selves;
• Reflect on how I can be merciful;
• Reflect on how I need to receive Mercy.

This Year is a special gift with many opportunities to experience God’s Mercy and forgiveness.  Before you know it, it will be Ash Wednesday and the Season of Lent.

God bless you.

Sister Anthony Mary Diago, RSM