Pope Francis Homilies on Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy

Mercy Message
“Apart from the mercy of God, there is no other source of hope for mankind.” St. Pope John Paul II.”

http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-at-audience-door-to-gods-mercy-never
…..Pope Francis said, “If the door of God’s mercy is always open, even so must be the doors of our churches, the love of our communities, our parishes, our institutions, our dioceses, for when they are, we can all go out to bring this mercy of God [to those who most need it]. The Jubilee Year recalls the great door of God’s mercy, but also the small doors of our churches – open to let the Lord in – or to let the Lord out, who is often the prisoner of our structures, our selfishness, and of so many things.”

….“As guardians of that door, we in the Church are called to be welcoming to all who seek to enter the fold of the Good Shepherd. May the doors of our Christian homes be signs and symbols of the door of God’s mercy, a door ever open to all who knock and desire to meet Jesus.”

Pope’s Declaration

“I have decided to announce an Extraordinary Jubilee which has at its center the mercy of God. It will be a Holy Year of Mercy. We want to live in the light of the word of the Lord: “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful” (cf. Lk 6:36). And this especially applies to confessors! So much mercy!”

What is Mercy?

The disposition to be kind and forgiving. Founded on compassion, mercy differs from compassion or the feeling of sympathy in putting this feeling into practice with a readiness to assist. It is therefore the ready willingness to help anyone in need, especially in need of pardon or reconciliation.

Seven Corporal Works of Mercy

• Feed the hungry
• Give drink to the thirsty
• Clothe the naked
• Shelter the homeless
• Care for the sick
• Visit the imprisoned
• Bury the dead

Assumption’s Response

Assumption is already performing many merciful acts. I am sure you can think of Corporal Works of Mercy our parish is performing every day. This year the Pope is asking us to pay special attention to this important virtue. Father Gerard has set up a committee to coordinate our response to the Pope’s call. Please contact the church office if you would like to be a part of it.