My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, As we prepare to begin Lent in this Jubilee Year of Mercy, we must be attentive to the “Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for Lent 2016.” Our Holy Father has chosen the theme, “The works of mercy on the road of the Jubilee,” citing the words that Jesus repeats in the Gospel of Matthew, the words of the Psalm, “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.” (Mt 9:13).
Holy Year of Mercy
On March 13, 2015, Pope Francis announced a special Holy Year, which will be celebrated from Dec. 8, 2015, until Nov. 20, 2016. The biblical theme of the year, he said, is “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
Pray Your Way Through the Year
Pray first and ask what God wants of you. Then write down some goals. Don’t get too specific because as you pray your way through the year, God may help you define or refine your goals.
Keeping Elders Connected Is a Work of Mercy
Just as the poor and elderly were marginalized in St. Jeanne Jugan’s day, they are often left behind in the communications revolution of today when they lack the means or the know-how to keep up with the latest technology.
“Celebrating Mercy” Theme for 2016 Evangelization Congress
The diocesan School of Evangelization will host the third annual Evangelization Congress, Jan. 30, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Center, Douglaston. This is the main Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy diocesan catechetical and pastoral event.
Pope: There Are No Limits to God’s Mercy
God’s ability to forgive “knows no limits” as his mercy frees people from bitterness and despair, Pope Francis said.
Mercy Gives Meaning to Old Year as Well as the New Year
By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) – The gift of mercy is a light that helps Christians reflect on the past year and radiates hope at the start of the new year, Pope Francis said. While retracing the events of 2015 may recall moments of both joy and sorrow, it also offers a moment […]
Kindness and Mercy In a Troubled World
It seems as if daily we witness violence, dissension and other social ailments. Father Eugene Hemrick asks how to keep this from overshadowing a hopeful new year.
Year of Mercy Can Be A Chance to Grow
January invites us to dig deeper into the mystery we have just commemorated. Leaving the eggnog and the parties behind, we ask ourselves just what the Incarnation really means in our lives.
B’klyn Parishioners Visit Cathedral’s Holy Doors
“Remember, Sunday at three,” my friend, George, had texted me, mid-week. “Pilgrimage. Holy Door.” I wasn’t entirely sure what this “Holy Door” was all about, even though I had read that Pope Francis was “opening the Holy Door” …
World’s Refugees Reaches Highest Point Since WWII
The explosive global refugee crisis – likely the top debate-generating news story of 2015 – seems destined to dominate domestic and foreign politics for years to come at a time when Pope Francis has been calling for a compassionate world response.