Carmel Bulletin, 13 December 2015
The Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, which Pope Francis announced earlier this year, has now begun. On Tuesday, Pope Francis opened the holy door at St Peter’s Basilica.
On Sunday evening (Sydney time), he will go to the cathedral church of the Diocese of Rome, the Basilica of St John Lateran, to open the holy door there.
This weekend will also see holy doors open at cathedrals around the world. The central ceremonial doors at St Patrick’s Cathedral at Parramatta, usually closed and reserved for the most special of occasions, will be opened by Fr Peter Williams (Diocesan Administrator). People will be able to pass through these doors any time from now until the Solemnity of Christ the King in November 2016.
The document (formally called a “bull of indiction”) through which Pope Francis officially called for this Year of Mercy helps to remind us of the boundless nature of God’s mercy, which we can celebrate and experience in a multitude of ways. One way is through penance and reconciliation.
As we approach the season of Christmas, we remember that John the Baptist calls us, just as he called the people of his time, to repent and prepare a way for the Lord in our lives. We will pray for, and celebrate the loving mercy of God at our Penitential Service on Wednesday evening. I invite you to join us for this celebration, or to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation next Saturday morning from 9:30 – 10:30 am.
Liturgy 