From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network - Goa

Goa, Dec 14: On December 13, the archbishop of Goa and Daman Fr Filipe Neri Ferrao opened, a special ‘Door of Mercy’ at the Cathedral.

The rite which began at the St Francis of Assisi Church was presided by the archbishop, who later on led the faithful in procession to the Cathedral to mark the ‘Door of Mercy’ open. The archbishop while celebrating the eucharist urged people gathered to obtain the benefits given by the Pope in the Year of Mercy. It may be recalled that, the Holy Father has declared an extraordinary jubilee Year of Mercy from December 8 to November 20 2016.

More than 3000 people attended the celebration. In his homily, the archbishop asked the faithful to focus on God the Father, who shows us unconditional mercy. He also said to imbibe God’s mercy in our personal lives and be witnesses to His mercy.

On this occasion of Year of Mercy, the archbishop released, his pastoral letter along with 'Kaklutichem Mukhamoll' the Konkani version of Papal Bull of Indiction of the extraordinary jubilee Year of Mercy called ‘Misericordiae Vultus’ (‘Face of Mercy’).

Fr Socorro Mendes, the convenor of the diocesan team for the jubilee year, stated that besides the Cathedral, the archbishop has declared the following four churches to attain the privileges marked, namely St Jerome church – Mapusa; Holy Spirit church – Margao; Mother of the Poor church – Tilamola and Holy Name church – Praca Daman. He later thanked everyone responsible for the meaningful celebration, especially the parish priest, the assistant parish priest and parishioners of the Cathedral.