by Sr. Anne-Louise Nadeau, Director of Programs
On December 8, 2015, Pope Francis proclaimed a Jubilee Year of Mercy and used the metaphor of opening a door to let in those most in need of mercy. When he symbolically open the door of St. Peter’s basilica in Rome and invited the holy doors of all the basilicas in the world to do the same, many local churches followed his example.
Pastoral sensitivity was to be the hallmark; for this was to be a year of merciful hospitality without judgement and without condemnation. Pope Francis stated that ‘mercy was the fundamental trait of the face of Christ.’ All of Jesus actions and his attitude toward life was one of acceptance, welcome and embracing those who believed themselves to be unworthy…and we are to do the same.
It is for this reason that, when on November 20, 2016, the official Year of Mercy comes to a close, that Pax Christi USA deeply hopes that all the doors of Mercy will remain open.
We believe that where there is Mercy…there is non-violent peace.
Where there is Mercy…there is reconciliation with justice.
Where there is Mercy there is profound respect for human rights and for our common home, the earth.
Where there is Mercy interracial justice thrives in an atmosphere of mutual respect and integrity.
May the doors of Mercy always remain wide open, waiting to welcome all of God’s people unconditionally, without hesitation or reservation.