Dec. 13 Ceremonies and Masses in Phoenix, Sedona to Inaugurate Holy Year

PHOENIX (Dec. 10, 2015) — Pope Francis recently announced an Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, a time for people of faith to be mindful and accepting of God’s abundant mercy and, in turn, demonstrate that same mercy to others. The Holy Year began with the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8, 2015) and concludes on the Solemnity of Christ the King (Nov. 20, 2016). “I am confident that the whole Church, which is in such need of mercy for we are sinners, will be able to find in this Jubilee the joy of rediscovering and rendering fruitful God’s mercy, with which we are all called to give comfort to every man and every woman of our time,” Pope Francis said at the announcement of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. “Do not forget that God forgives all, and God forgives always. Let us never tire of asking forgiveness. The Holy Father has asked that all dioceses around the world designate a “Door of Mercy” at their cathedral or another special church or shrine, and that every diocese implement the “24 Hours for the Lord” initiative — a special time of reconciliation — on the Friday and Saturday before the fourth week of Lent. All are welcome to join in prayer as the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix opens two sets of Doors of Mercy on Sunday, Dec. 13, to inaugurate the Year of Mercy. Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted will open the Doors of Mercy at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral at 3 p.m., and Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo A. Nevares will open the Doors at the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona at 2 p.m. Mercy has been at the center of Pope Francis’ message as pontiff. The motto and theme of this year is taken from Gospel according to Luke – “Merciful like the Father” (Luke 6.36). Over the next 12 months, the Diocese of Phoenix will be emphasizing God’s abundant mercy throughout its slate of events and celebrations. On March 4-5, parishes through the Diocese of Phoenix will make available for 24 hours the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Closing ceremonies are planned for Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016. More information about the Year of Mercy may be found at ohmercy.org. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix was established Dec. 2, 1969, by Pope Paul VI. Led by the Most Rev. Thomas J. Olmsted, more than 1.1 million Catholics make this diverse, vibrant and faith-filled diocese their home. Media: Fr. Kieran Kleczewski, Director of the Diocese of Phoenix Office of Worship, is available for interviews: (623) 210-3372. Media Contact Robert DeFrancesco Director of Communications rdefrancesco@diocesephoenix.org (602) 354-2130