How Do We Celebrate The Jubilee Year of Mercy

In his document about extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy Pope Francis called for an array of concrete actions:

Read and meditate on the Sacred Scriptures, especially the Gospel of Luke. "In order to be capable of mercy," the Holy Father wrote, "we must first of all dispose ourselves to listen to the Word of God by rediscovering the value of silence in order to meditate on the Word that comes to us."

Go on pilgrimage. Traditionally, many pilgrims travel to Rome during Jubilee years to take advantage of the Holy Year indulgences to be gained by practices such as passing through the Holy Doors of the Major Basilicas of Rome, which are only open during such Jubilees. You can also make such pilgrimage to our cathedral and other churches throughout our diocese designated for Jubilee Year.

Go to Confession regularly - monthly or even weekly. Emphasizing the importance of the Sacrament of Confession, Pope Francis said he would send out Missionaries of Mercy during Lent 2016 to preach on God's mercy and forgive sins, even those sins usually reserved to the Holy See.

Perform one or more works of mercy every day. The Holy Father said "It is my burning desire that, during this Jubilee the Christian people may reflect on and perform the corporal and spiritual works of mercy."

Corporal Works: 1. Feed the hungry; 2. Give drink to the thirsty; 3. Cloth the naked; 4. Shelter the homeless; 5. Comfort the prisoners; 6. Visit the sick; 7. Bury the dead.

Spiritual Works: 1. Teach the ignorant; 2. Pray for the living and dead; 3. Correct sinners; 4. Counsel those in doubt; 5. Console the sorrowful; 6. Bear wrongs patiently; 7. Forgive wrongs willingly.

Forgive those who have hurt you or have done wrong. If possible, consider forgiving debts owed you/or returning collateral.

Share the Good News of God's mercy through your words and good deeds.

Make the Stations of the Cross regularly, especially at 3p.m., the Hour of Great Mercy.

Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy daily, imploring mercy "on us, and on the whole world."