In anticipation of the extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., issued a letter to priests sharing some early plans and additional suggestions for what will make up the Diocese’s observance.
According to the Bishop’s letter issued April 16, the Diocese will open the year in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, Dec. 8 at the 12:15 pm Mass. This will include a blessing and opening of a Holy Door.
Additionally, Bishop O’Connell stated, “I plan to conduct 12 parish visits on Sundays to be designated as ‘Mercy Sundays.’”
Also among the plans being developed is a diocesan pilgrimage to Rome in early April, 2016 and a possible pilgrimage to the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Massachusetts. Details will follow as they develop.
Regarding what might take place locally, Bishop O’Connell encouraged the vicariates, deaneries and parishes to plan activities as they did for the Year of Faith. The Bishop shared his plan to designate First Friday in each parish as a “Day of Mercy” with a Holy Hour, exposition, preaching and Confession. He also envisioned “24 Hours for the Lord” Confessions to take place the Friday and Saturday before the Fourth Sunday of Lent.
The Bishop also suggested that some special work of charity be designated for the Holy Year of Mercy in all parishes and observed throughout the special year.
On Nov. 20, 2016, in keeping with the dates proclaimed by the Pope, Bishop O’Connell will celebrate a Mass in St. Mary Cathedral for the Close of the Holy Year of Mercy and the closing of the Holy Door.
As plans are confirmed, further details will be reported in The Monitor and on TrentonMonitor.com and on dioceseoftrenton.org.