The Jubilee Year of Mercy was inaugurated on December 13, 2015 at 8:00 am. The Eucharist mass was celebrated by Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza along with other celebrants. In his homily, Bishop Aloysius said that we have to be merciful just as Our Father who is merciful to us. Recalling the message of Pope Francis on the Jubilee year of Mercy, Bishop Aloysius said, “To pass through the Holy Door means to rediscover the infinite mercy of the Father who welcomes everyone and goes out personally to encounter each of them”. He also said that the Jubilee Year is dedicated to living our daily lives with “the mercy that the Father constantly extends to all of us”. “God never tires throwing open the doors of His house. He loves us and wants to share His love with us. The life of the church is authentic and credible only when she becomes a convincing herald of mercy. Her primary task is to introduce everyone to the great mystery of God’s mercy by contemplating the face of Christ. The church is called above all to be a credible witness to mercy, professing it and living it as the core of the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
The handbook of ‘Living the Jubilee Year of Mercy’ and the prayer leaflets were released by the bishop. After the mass, speaking to the gathering, the bishop said that the motto of the year of Mercy is “Merciful like the Father”. Day-after-day touched by God’s compassion, we also can become compassionate towards others. The motto serves as an invitation to follow the merciful example of the Father who asks us not to judge or condemn but forgive and to give love and forgiveness without measures. Pilgrimages should be conducted to some holy places or Churches such as Rosario Cathedral, Carmel Hill, Fathima Retreat House, St Antony Ashram, St Ann Frairy, St John Paul II Chapel, Bajpe, Pakshikere Church, Belthangady Church and Puttur Church. The Jubilee also entails the granting of indulgences, under the usual condition of reception of the sacrament of reconciliation and Holy Communion and reciting special prayers and making pilgrimages. Those who are sick and unable to attend the mass can watch the mass through television. Pray for the intentions of Pope Francis. Visiting the sick and praying for those who have committed crime and facing punishment in jail. If the accused while passing through the cell door in jail repents for his sins, he will be forgiven, said the bishop.
Parish Priest of Rosario Cathedral, V. Rev. Fr J.B. Crasta delivered the vote of thanks. Msgr. Denis Moras Prabhu, Vicar General, Episcopal Vicar Fr Pius James D’Souza, Director of FMCI Fr Patrick, Fr Joseph Martis, Rector of St Joseph’s Seminary, Fr William Menezes, PRO, Fr Vijay Machado, Director of Mangala Jyothi, Fr Michael Santhumayor, Fr Onil D’Souza, Fr Paul D’Souza, Fr Vincent D’Souza, Fr Rocky Fernandes and other priests were also present.
