Year of Mercy 8 th December 2015 – 20 th November This is the logo for the Holy Year of Mercy, which opens on December 8

An extraordinary holy year declared by Pope Francis. This needs unpacking!  What is a holy year?  What does jubilee mean?  Why is this an extraordinary holy year?  What does “A year of mercy” mean?

What is a holy year?  The Church has a Holy Year every twenty five years, so at least once in each person’s lifetime.  It is a time to put matters right, between you and God, based on the Old Testament jubilee years.  A key symbol are the Holy Doors at the four Basilicas in Rome and other Cathedrals across the world.

The Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica

What was a “Jubilee Year”?  In the times of the Old Testament every 25 th year was to be a Year of Jubilee.  Slaves would be set free, land acquired from others given back, debts forgiven and property shared out afresh.  The idea was that each generation should have a chance to do well, and remind people that wealth is not as important as relationships; with people and God, as wealth disappears!  The last Holy Year in the Church was the millennium year, 2000 so the next one is due in 2025.

Why call an “extraordinary” Holy Year 15 years early?  “A special time for the Church, a time when the witness of believers may grow stronger and more effective”

What does “mercy” mean?  The Latin meaning was “price paid for something, wages reward.”  The French meaning is merci ----THANK YOU.  The English meaning is UNDESERVED FORGIVENESS, kindness or pity shown to someone.  For the Pope mercy means seeing real situations through a different set of eyes: “God will never tire of being merciful towards anyone if we never tire of asking for his mercy.” “ A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just.”

How will Salford Diocese mark the Year of Mercy?  A holy door will be opened in Salford Cathedral  A special Holy Door will go from school to school in the diocese  A mercy bus will travel to various parts of the diocese during Lent  Young people from Salford diocese will travel to Poland for World Youth Day  The diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes

How will we celebrate the Year of Mercy in school?  Not sure yet!  Our own Holy Doors?  reflect pray, study.  junior chaplains.  Acts of caritas.

Diocesan Jubilee Prayer All loving Father You sent Jesus your Son to show us your mercy and teach us to forgive one another. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us. Help us to remember that we are all sinners. Let this Year of Mercy be a pilgrimage and journey back to you. Make us ambassadors of mercy, sharing your forgiveness with everyone, especially those who feel that they are beyond your love. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen