On 13 March 2015, Pope Francis announced an Extraordinary Jubilee, which has its focus the mercy of God. It will be a Holy Year of Mercy, beginning on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on 8 December 2015 and concluding on 20 November 2016, the Solemnity of Christ the King.
Why the Year of Mercy?
An opportunity for the whole Church which is in need of mercy to be able to find in this Jubilee the joy of rediscovering and rendering fruitful God's mercy for mankind
"How much I desire that the year to come will be steeped in mercy, so that we can go out to every an and woman, bringing the goodness and tenderness of God!" - Pope Francis
Official Logo and Motto:
The motto: 'Merciful like the Father (Luke 6:36) is an invitation to follow the merciful example of the Father who asks us not to judge or condemn, but to forgive and to give love without measure (Lk 6: 37-38).
The logo is that of the Son taking upon his shoulders the lost soul, demonstrating that it is the love of Christ that brings to completion the mystery of his incarnation, culminating in redemption.
The logo has been designed so as to express the profound way in which the Good Shepherd touches the flesh of humanity. He does so with a love that had the power to change one's life.
If you notice, the eyes of the Good shepherd are merged with those of man.
Christ sees with the eyes of Adam, and Adam, with the eyes of Christ.
It is our hope that every person discovers in Christ, the new Adam, and through him, the love of the Father.
(Excerpt taken from the brochure of the Holy Year of Mercy, Penang Diocese)
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| The official logo and motto on the front page of the brochure. |
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| Archbishop Emeritus Murphy Pakiam, celebrating the Feast of Immaculate Conception, and launching the Year of Mercy. |
Pilgrim Churches and the Holy Door of Mercy
In Penang Diocese, Bishop Sebastian Francis, D.D. has designated 3 Pilgrim Churches as centres of prayer, reflection and recommitment, where everyone will have to make a pilgrimage. This will be a sign that mercy is also a goal to reach, and requires dedication and sacrifice.
The pilgrimage churches are: Chruch of the Sacred Heart, Kampar, Chruch of St. Anne, Butkit Mertajam, and the Chruch of Divine Mercy, Penang Island.
A special feature to be found in these churches will be the Holy Door of Mercy.
According to the Pope, by crossing the threshold of the Holy Door "we will find the strength to embrace God's Mercy and dedicate ourselves to being merciful, with others as the Father has been merciful with us."
INVITATION TO CHRISTIANS OF OTHER CHURCHES AND
PEOPLE OF OTHER FAITHS.
The Year of Mercy is also an invitation to Christians of other churches and people of other faiths, to be touched by the mercy of God and to become themselves, people of mercy What is required is a humble and repentant heart. They too can visit the pilgrimage churches, and spend time in prayer or quiet contemplation. For example, a simple prayer such as , "Lord be merciful to me, a sinner" or "Lord, help me to be merciful to others. could be said.
24 hours Prayer Vigil
During Lent 2016, 5 - 6 March 2016, all are invited to participate in this 24 hour prayer Vigil in all churches will be held.
