Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
December 8th will mark the beginning of the Year of Mercy. During this time, we are encouraged by Pope Francis to look upon “the face of mercy,” for it is “the bridge that connects God and mankind, opening our hearts to the hope of being loved forever despite our sinfulness” (Misericordiae Vultus No. 2).
We are all called to walk along the path of mercy to draw on “the sources of the Saviour’s mercy” (M.V. No. 11), to turn our parishes and communities into “an oasis of mercy” (M.V. No. 12), and reach out to every human being with “the corporal and spiritual works of mercy” (M.V.No. 15).
In anticipation of this time of consolation, forgiveness, and conversion (M.V. No. 19), I would like to invite you to join me on Saturday, December 12, 2015, 7:30 p.m. at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral. We will celebrate the opening of the Door of Mercy, through which each and every one of us is welcome to step, marking our journey towards becoming “Merciful like the Father.”
We are invited to begin a new path that day, to grow, step by step, with trust in the grace of the Lord, who reaches out to us constantly. May we allow ourselves to be touched and enriched by the Word of God, that reveals His merciful love, and reminds us of how our Father looks upon our frailty with kindness. In doing so, we can take steps towards forgiveness and reconciliation in our hearts, in our families, and in our parishes and communities.
Like never before, we can look upon the crucified Jesus Christ, who, carrying our sins, our suffering and our death, is the supreme manifestation of God’s mercy. We can turn to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and experience the joy of reconciling with God.
Together, we will proclaim to all the faithful of the diocese of Montreal, the beauty of this divine mercy, which is a source of peace and transfigures our lives by giving them a sense of love. We will try to bring to the “peripheries” the good news of the Father’s kindness.
As we give thanks for all the Lord’s blessings, the Door of Mercy at the Cathedral will be open every day throughout the year until 7:30 p.m. Saturday evening, November 12, 2016.
Certain churches will also open a Door of Mercy, from Sunday, January 10, 2016, the feast of the Baptism of Our Lord, to Tuesday, November 1, 2016, the feast of All Saints. In addition, parishes who wish to do so may make their church a Church of Mercy, by committing to offer “24 Hours for the Lord” on the Friday and Saturday before the fourth Sunday of Lent.
All parishes and communities are invited to “think and act with mercy” regarding what has already been planned, and to take initiatives to fully experience this year of grace.
May we be united by His Divine Mercy, and let us pray for one another.
May God bless you and fill you with his Peace
