Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (RJP)
Mangaluru, Dec 13: Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, the bishop of Mangaluru officially inaugurated the jubilee year of mercy at Rosario Cathedral here on Sunday, December 13.
The jubilee year of mercy 2016 was inaugurated at 9.30 am when the bishop accompanied by clergymen from the diocese opened the main door of the cathedral. The devotees later entered through the door for the holy mass.
The jubilee year of mercy has two inaugurations first at Rosario cathedral and the second at Urwa church on Sunday December 13 evening during its feast.
The bishop was the main celebrant during the Eucharist mass.
Dr Aloysius in his homily called upon the Catholics to be merciful like the heavenly Father who has been always merciful towards his people. He said that everyone should experience unlimited mercy given by Almighty. God's mercy is special and unique to each person, he said.
"The role of the church in spreading the mercy of God is crucial. The church should become the first witness to it. It should profess and spread it as a testimony to the love of Jesus Christ. God is not tired by keeping open the doors of His Kingdom. He loves us very much and intends to share his immaculate love with us. The church must become the reflection of Christ. " Bishop added.
Bishop also read out the massage from the Pope Francis.
The bishop released ‘Living the Jubilee Year of Mercy’ handbook and year of mercy prayer leaflets after the mass. Bishop in his message asked the devotees to visit the pilgrimage places in the diocese during the jubilee year and also to participate in the adoration of holy sacrament.
Fr J B Crasta the dean of city deanery and also the parish priest of Rosario Cathedral thanked the devotees. vicar general Monsignor Denis Moras Prabhu, episcopal vicar Fr Pius D’Souza, Fr Victor Machado, Fr Onil D'Souza, Fr Vincent Menezes, Fr Vijay Machado and Fr Sebastian Paul D'Souza among others were present.
Year of mercy
Already regarded by many as the 'Pope of Mercy', Pope Francis has declared an extraordinary holy year of mercy, saying he wants to make it evident that the church’s mission is as a witness of compassion.
"I have often thought about how the church might make clear its mission of being a witness to mercy. It is journey that begins with a spiritual conversion. For this reason, I have decided to call an extraordinary jubilee that is to have the mercy of God at its centre. It shall be a holy year of mercy. The church must be a place of mercy freely given, where everyone can feel welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged to live the good life of the gospel. Let us not forget that God pardons and God pardons always. Let us never tire of asking for forgiveness." Pope had said in an earlier communication on the year of mercy.
Pope Francis also said that he wants the church to live the upcoming holy year 'in the light' of Jesus’ words in the Gospel of Luke- 'Be merciful, just as your father is merciful.'
The holy year of mercy jubilee formally opened in Vatican on December 8, 2015 will end on November 20, 2016.