Jubilee Year of Mercy 2015 -2016 (The Congregation)

February 27, 2016

When Pope Francis declared a Jubilee Year of Mercy it has been with grateful hearts that the Sisters of Mercy have embraced all the possibilities of special Graces and Blessings. Here in the Diocese of Down and Connor in the Northern part of Ireland there is a designated Church with the Mercy Door and a Pilgrim Way to follow through simple prayers and ritual.


Sr Frances McCashin knocking at the door of Mercy in the convent Chapel Lenadoon Belfast	Member of the Prayer Group lighting the Advent Candle at the beginning of the Year of Mercy

One local community in the West of Belfast has shared the Jubilee concept with the members of the Mercy Prayer Group in the Parish of St. Oliver Plunkett in Lenadoon. In December last, Sisters Frances, Emmanuel and Claire welcomed the Prayer Group to the convent to celebrate the Opening of the door of Mercy.

The ceremony began in the Chapel where everyone was welcomed and there was a reflection on the significance of opening the door. To help develop the theme, the image of the famous Holman Hunt painting of 'Christ the Light of the World' was in place at the entrance to the Chapel. This is based on the Scripture, Revelation Ch.3:20. All gathered outside the Chapel where a brief discussion took place on the deeper meaning of the open door; the purpose to draw everyone into a more reflective mode regarding the opening of ourselves to the Light of Christ. Sr. Frances knocked three times on the Chapel Door and the group sang 'Seek ye First the Kingdom of God'.The Group then processed into the Chapel. Time was spent in further discussion and prayer.