WelCom November 2016
As the Year of Mercy closes on Sunday 20 November, let us keep the doors of mercy always open, says Cardinal John Dew, Archbishop of Wellington. Pope Francis has taken us on an amazing journey, opening doors of reconciliation and mercy in many ways. Many of you have responded generously to his call in prayer and action through the spiritual and corporal works of Mercy. I invite you all to keep the doors of mercy open in your families, schools, parishes, in your workplace – wherever you hear people crying out for the mercy of God. Some voices may be difficult to hear – keep listening and keep the doors of mercy always open! I te wairua atawhai – in the spirit of mercy. (See Sacred Heart Cathedral Mass details below.)
Mark Richards, Pastoral Director, Diocese of Palmerston North, says over 2500 pilgrims have come to the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit on over 60 pilgrimages. They have walked our streets, been welcomed, meditated and returned home to live the way of Mercy. The open doors have seen locals and visitors making the Cathedral a place of hope and new life. We go forward in prayer, meditating and discerning the needs of our communities and accompanying people in our words and deeds. We are committed to walking in the Way of Christ.
The Door of Mercy remains open as the Year of Mercy comes to a close!
Fr Patrick Bridgman
E kapi rā e te Tatau o te Atawhai,
me te mihi ki te Atua mō nga manaakitanga
i uhia ki runga ki te iwi whakapono
i te wā tapu ka kapi nei.
Close the Doors of Mercy,
and greetings to God for the blessings
bestowed on the faithful during this
sacred season which comes to a close.
On Sunday 20 November, at the 7pm Mass for Christ the King at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, this karanga will herald the end of the Year of Mercy opened by Pope Francis in December 2015.
The Recessional of the Mass will see all present pass through the Doors of Mercy, and then following the call the Doors will be closed. Yet here in the Archdiocese a profound truth will also be also acknowledged. For our glass Doors of Mercy will in fact remain open, as they have been installed to provide both a visual and physical link between the Cathedral nave and the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. These doors will continue to remind all who enter the Cathedral that the Lord desires the doors to God’s mercy to be thrown wide open, enabling all peoples to come to God, to return to God, to experience God’s healing mercy!
Cardinal John has been called to Rome to attend the meeting of the Pontifical Council for Ecumenism and then to attend the creation of the 17 new Cardinals. Therefore, it will be our Vicar General, Mons Gerard Burns who will pray, ‘Let us invoke the soothing balm of God’s mercy acknowledging that we are sinners and forgiving one another from the bottom of our hearts.’
This has been the grace of this year; as sinners to seek the mercy of God and to then share this mercy with those who need our forgiveness. That grace, that gift from God remains open to us. ALL ARE WELCOME TO THIS CELEBRATION OF MERCY!