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On Sunday, December 13, 2015, in union with the Church throughout the world,
Archbishop Sartain solemnly opened the Doors of Mercy at St. James Cathedral.
Hundreds packed into Cathedral Hall for the beginning of the Mass.
Father Ryan proclaims a Gospel of mercy. "There will be more joy in heaven over
one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need
of repentance." (Luke 15)
Children read the Bull of Indiction inaugurating the Year of Mercy. "Jesus
Christ is the face of the Father's mercy... At times we are called to gaze even
more attentively on mercy so that we may become a more effective sign of the
Father's action in our lives. For this reason I have proclaimed an Extraordinary
Jubilee of Mercy as a special time for the Church, a time when the witness of
believers might grow stronger and more effective (Pope Francis)."
The Choir leads the way around the block for the solemn entrance through the
great doors.
"Open the gates of justice, and we shall enter and give thanks to the Lord."
"This is the Lord's gate: let us enter through it and obtain mercy and
forgiveness."
Archbishop pauses to pray at the threshhold of the Jubilee Doors of Mercy.
The Book of the Gospels is shown to those waiting to enter.
Solemn entrance
At the conclusion of Mass, Archbishop Sartain bestowed a special apostolic
blessing.
"Be merciful, just as your heavenly Father is merciful. Go in peace!"
The beautiful banner carried in the procession was commissioned for the Year of
Mercy. It is the work of fabric artist Juanita Yoder.
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